Darrell E. Statzer

MOUNT ZION - Darrell E. Statzer, M.D. died December 14, 2006 in his home at Green Shadows Farm, Mt. Zion, Illinois. He was 80. Visitation will be at Dawson and Wikoff Funeral Home, Mt. Zion, Tuesday, December 19, 2006 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. There will be a private family burial service. A memorial service will be held at Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church on Friday December 22, 2006 at 11:00 A.M. Reverend Joel Stevenor will preside. In lieu of flowers the family recommends memorials to First Presbyterian Church of Sullivan, Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church or St. John's Hospice. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family via email c/o www.dawson-wikoff.com. Dr. Statzer was born June 11, 1926 to Frank and Merle (Reedy) Statzer at Monticello, Illinois. He grew up in Villa Grove. He served in the Pacific Theater during World War Two and was in the Navy. He married Helen Leslie MacNabb on March 9, 1947 in New York City. After his discharge from the Navy he attended college at Eastern Illinois University and University of Illinois at Chicago where he earned his degree of Doctor of Medicine. Dr. Statzer began a general practice of medicine in Sullivan, Illinois but moved to Detroit, Michigan to enter the residency program in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Wayne State University School of Medicine. He practiced in Detroit until 1971. While there he became a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Wayne State and was later promoted to Department Chair. He was Director of Outpatient Services at Hutzel Hospital, President of Planned Parenthood of Detroit, Inc. and engaged in many research projects including establishing the first methadone clinic in the country for treating pregnant heroin addicts. He was the author of numerous articles published in medical journals. Dr. Statzer moved his medical practice to Decatur, Illinois in 1971. Eventually he limited his practice to Gynecology and left practice to become Director of Medical Affairs at St. Mary's Hospital. He retired from St. Mary's in 1995. Dr. Statzer was a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and one of the first Fellows of the American College of Physician Executives. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America and received the prestigious Silver Beaver Award and the District Award of Merit. He was on the Board of Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church Child Care Center and served as its President. He served on the boards of Red Cross of Macon County and Lincoln Trails Council 121 of the Boy Scouts of America. He was Director of the Family Practice Residency Program for Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Dr. Statzer was appointed by Governor Thompson to the Illinois Health Care Facilities Utilization Review Committee and the Perinatal Advisory Committee of the Illinois Department of Public Health. He had been a member of the Vestry of St. John's Episcopal Church and a member of Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church. He was an honorary member of Future Farmers of America. He was inducted into the Villa Grove High School Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Board of the Macon County Mental Health Society, serving as its President and in numerous other capacities. He was a member of the Tin Can Sailors Society. He recruited many physicians to Macon County and delivered a lot of babies. He was a compassionate and caring physician. After retirement Dr. Statzer farmed at Green Shadows with his son Todd raising registered Dorsets and some of the best vegetables you have ever tasted. He was an avid Ham Radio operator under the call letters of K8KUN and W9MMM. He was a woodworker, voracious reader and did the Sunday crossword in ink. Dr. Statzer is survived by his wife Leslie, of Mt. Zion, sons Pastor Darrell Statzer, Jr. and wife Dianne, of Mt. Zion, Dr. Shawn T. Statzer, M.D. and wife Karen, of Kirkwood, Missouri, Todd M. Statzer and wife Sabrina, of Monticello, brothers Richard L. Statzer and wife Carol, of Springfield, Neil Statzer and wife Lynn, of Tuscola, eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and so many whose lives he touched, saved and brought into the world. He was a devoted husband, good doctor, good Dad and God fearing man. Obituary written by family members. Online guest book at www.legacy.com/herald-review/Obituaries.asp