Dr. Walter Lewin

Walter Lewin, MD, 85, of Overland Park, KS passed away Friday, Sept. 18, 2015 at Shawnee Mission Medical Center. Memorial services will be held at 3:00 pm, Friday, Sept. 25, at St. Michael's and All Angels Episcopal Church, 6630 Nall Ave, Mission, Kansas, 66202. The family requests any memorial contributions be made either to: The Arboretum of Overland Park, or, Horizons Ministry at St. Michael's and All Angels Episcopal Church.

Walter was born in Hamburg, Germany on August 25, 1930. He immigrated with his family to New York, graduated from Stuyvesant High School, then later moved to Kansas and completed his BS at the University of Kansas. He worked for the US Forest Service and developed a love of the National Parks. He completed his medical degree at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Walter served as a Captain in the United States Army, and treated soldiers during a major influenza outbreak at Camp Carson, CO. Dr. Lewin completed his psychiatric residency with the Menninger Foundation in Topeka, KS. He became Director of Outpatient Services at Prairie View Hospital in Newton, KS, and was instrumental in creating and expanding community mental health services. While in Newton, he and his wife, Grace developed lifelong friendships in their foreign foods dinner club group. In 1969, he began a full time private psychiatric practice in Shawnee Mission, KS, and in 1977 was elected President of the Medical Staff at Shawnee Mission Hospital. Dr. Lewin opened the psychiatric unit at Shawnee Mission Hospital and served in consultation to many of the regional psychiatric clinics and hospitals. He was named a consultant to the German Consulate, and for over 25 years provided evaluations for prison camp survivors. Later he became a Regional Medical Examiner with the Social Security Administration, making many friends while providing expert case reviews. Dr. Lewin was a member of the American Medical Association, Kansas Medical Society, Johnson Country Medical Society and American Psychiatric Association.

He volunteered at the Overland Park Arboretum, and served his church community as a member of the Horizon Arts Committee, and as Father Christmas during the Advent celebration. He traveled extensively with his wife, Grace. He loved overseas travel and especially loved traveling to Greece. He took individual trips with each of his children; kayaking in Canada, touring the Wisconsin Dells, sightseeing in the Missouri wine country, and visiting New York City. Walter and Grace were 40 year members of a supper club group, and enjoyed many years of friendship with their bookclub group. Walter is survived by his wife of 59 years, Grace M. Lewin, four children: Margie (Michael)Cox, Oklahoma City, OK, Tom (Vanessa) Lewin, Grayslake, IL, Bill(Debra) Lewin, Lawson, MO, Jim(Elisabeth) Lewin, Des Moines, IA, six grandchildren: Jacob, Matthew, Eva, Catherine, Brad (Katrina), and Lindsay, and two great-grandchildren: Gunther and Eloise Lewin. Walter was preceded in death by two sisters, Lana and Hilde. He leaves a sister, Ilse (Frank) Cavalieri, of Venice, Florida.

(Condolences may be expressed at: www.porterfuneralhome.com Arrangements: Porter Funeral Homes & Crematory, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS (913) 438-6444)

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Kansan on Sep. 23, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Lewin

4 Entries

Cheryl Simmons

September 29, 2015

I worked with Dr. Lewin at the Social Security Administration. He was one of the nicest persons I've met. I along with many of my colleagues, were very unhappy when he left our office. To his family I know he will be missed, but you had the joy of his presence in your life and those memories, will remain with you.

Mark Prochaska

September 25, 2015

I had the privilege of being a psychiatric colleague of Dr. Lewin in the group he and Ivor Jones, M.D. started , SMPG, or Shawnee Mission Psychiatric Group. I would have to say that those years were among the most rewarding ones I have ever experienced. Life was good! Walter ran a tight, organized ship (he was German after all!), and this made everything run more smoothly and gracefully. After he retired from private practice (and Ivor left shortly thereafter), I was struck by how important those two "elder statesman" were to the cohesiveness and unity of the group. Things were never the same, and the group as an entity ended in 1998. And so I sing the praises of Dr. Lewin for his leadership, his compassionate practice of psychiatry, etc., etc.

SMI

September 24, 2015

Walter was a joy to work with at SSA, but he was an even better friend. How he loved discussing politics and the latest book he had read or play he had seen. He lived life to the fullest to the end, and we are all grateful for that. Thank you also, dear one, for your service to our country and in the care of the forest creatures. We will miss you!

Bob

September 23, 2015

I am grateful for the life of Dr. Lewin. Thanks to his service and to the service of others in our armed forces, my family and I have been able to lead our lives in freedom and peace.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results