Eugene R. Folk M.D.

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Eugene Folk Obituary

Eugene R. Folk, M.D., born on Sept. 7, 1924, of Santa Fe, New Mexico, formerly of Palm Springs, CA and Glencoe, IL, passed away on Friday, Feb. 28, 2003. Dr. Folk was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Max Lyon Folk, and his mother, Dr. Martha Rubin Folk. He is survived by his beloved wife, Meg Folk; daughters: Andrea (Henry) Bromberg, Tina (Bill) Lemieux and Carla Folk; granddaughters: Emilie and Amanda Bromberg. Dr. Folk was recognized both nationally and internationally as an expert in pediatric ophthalmology, especially in areas of eye motility disorders. In addition to having successful private practices in Skokie and Chicago, IL, he retired as a full professor from the University of Illinois, College of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, at the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary where he worked for over 30 years. He trained hundreds of residents and many fellows in pediatric ophthalmology. He also was a member of the faculty at Loyola University's Department of Ophthalmology and served on the staffs of Weiss Memorial Hospital, Skokie Valley Hospital and Cook County Hospital. He received his undergraduate training at the University of Chicago and his M.D. from the University of Illinois College of Medicine. He completed his residency at the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary. Throughout his career, Dr. Folk lectured and published extensively. He held a variety of prestigious professional leadership positions including serving as President of the Chicago Ophthalmologic Society and President and Charter Member of the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. He was also President of the National Pediatric Ophthalmology society. Outside of medicine, he particularly enjoyed spending time with his family, tennis, poker, long walks, reading and books-on-tape. He was a loving man who will long be remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, patients, and those who helped care for him in his final years. His warmth, intelligence and genuine caring had a positive impact on all those with whom he interacted. We were blessed to have him in our lives and he will be missed. Dr. Folk served honorably in the army as a second lieutenant during WWII, and is buried in the National Cemetery in Santa Fe. Those wishing to honor his memory may make contributions to: University of Illinois Foundation/Dr. Eugene Folk Fund, UIF, 1305 W. Green St., Urbana, IL 61801. Arrangements handled by Santa Fe Funeral Options, 417 East Rodeo Rd., Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505. 505-989-7032.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Mar. 4, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Folk

5 Entries

Jane Gidwitz

March 14, 2003

FOR Mrs.Meg Folk and the family

I was so sorry to read of Gene's passing. Couldn't find address for you so hopefully you will receive this. Gene was a wonderful eye doctor for my kids and we all had some wonderful times at that "tennis club" that we belonged to a long time ago. My thoughts are with you and yours at this sad and difficult time.

Fondly, Jane

Pfeffer Eisin

March 5, 2003

One of my first memories is of my eye surgery for strabismus- which I had when I was two and a half. I remember how kind Dr. Folk was to me and how relaxed I always felt when I had to see him. It takes an extraordinary person to make a child look forward to going to the doctor- but I was always excited to go to the eye doctor. I was sad when I was thirteen and had to find another eye doctor because Dr. Folk moved to New Mexico. He was a wonderful man and I feel so fortunate to have had him as my doctor. He was one of those adults I hoped to be like when I grew up- kind, understanding and caring. At thirty years old I still think about him. My sympathy and prayers go out to his family.

Frank A. Folk, MD

March 4, 2003

I had the privilege of being in the U of I College of Medicine with Eugene. On occasion, because of our surmane in common, I was honored to be erroneously thought to be a member of his illustrious medical family. I remember him most fondly for his kindly, gentle manner and his integrity. My sincere condolences to his family. He was more than a skilled specialist-- he was a DOCTOR.

Barry & Cynthia Greenburg

March 4, 2003

We loved Dr. Folk very much. He was

a kind and gentle man. We are happy for all the good days we shared with him while he was with us. We will think of him always. He may be gone but he is not forgotten.

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Judith Latino

March 4, 2003

Dr. Folk performed several eye surgeries on our son in the 60's and 70's. He was not only a GREAT DOCTOR, he was also a very kind and caring man. We were so very thankful to have had him as our son's doctor.

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