Russell Orr

Orr, Russell
90, of Phoenix passed away on February 21, 2015. Russell Thomas Orr, MD, passed away on February 21, 2015. He attended school in Milwaukee, Mpls, and Bismark, before moving with his family to Sioux Falls, South Dakota as a senior in high school; graduating from Washington High in 1942. During his freshman year at Augustana College, he left to enter into WWII. .He served in the Navy and the Marines, and was loaned to the Army's Burn Unit on Okinawa after the Kamikaze attacks. Serving as a frontline corpsman with the 2nd Marine Division on Saipan and Tinian, Russ was involved in three beachhead landings, and was awarded a Purple Heart. After the war, Russ began pre-med classes at USD in 1946. While in College, he met the love of his life, Jean Geppert, and they were married on December 27, 1950. Russ attended Medical School at the University of Colorado in Denver, and graduated in 1952. He decided to pursue a specialty in OB/GYN, moving to Salt Lake City, in 1958. During his residency in Utah, he delivered over 2,000 babies. Returning to Sioux Falls in 1962, he delivered an additional 8,000 babies in his 43 year career. He served as Dept Chair at both McKennan and Sioux Valley Hospital, and was Chief of Staff. He was an Associated Clinical Professor at the USD Medical School in Sioux Falls, and was an instructor in the Family Practice Residency Program for 21 years. Russ and Jean's life changed suddenly, when their son, John, (afflicted with Cystic Fibrosis), became eligible for a double-lung transplant. Russ retired at age 72 and the couple moved immediately to California, becoming John's Transplant Support Team. Six months after the February 1997 transplant, John's health was excellent. Russ and Jean then joined their other children in Phoenix, but returned to Sioux Falls for delightful summers for the next 12 years. Russ was a terrific human being - a great husband, father, doctor, and friend. He was incredibly humble, charming, and caring. He loved his hobbies of hunting, golfing, woodcarving, baking, and gardening. He is survived by Jean, his loving wife of 64 wonderful years. His living children include: Dr Michael Orr (and wife Leslie); Stephanie (and husband Bill Sherer); Jennifer Helwig (husband Larry); Leslye Mistry (husband Zaraawar); and Meredith Orr. Grandchildren are Natalie Walsh (daughter of Michael / wife of Dan Walsh), Taylor Hahn (daughter of Stephanie), Slade Helwig (son of Jennifer and Larry), and Sam Mistry (Son of Leslye and Zaraawar). Three sons died of complications associated with Cystic Fibrosis. Christopher passed away at age 5, in February of 1967; David passed away at age 4, 10 weeks later. John passed away at age 46, in 2005. Russell suffered from dementia and cardiopulmonary issues in his last few years. In recent weeks, these conditions worsened and he passed away peacefully on Feb 21, 2015. To the end, he was charming, loving, and funny. His passing was 48 years, to the day, of the death of their son Christopher. In his memory, a Celebration of Life will be held in Phoenix. A private family Mass is scheduled at St Francis Xavier Church. Russell will be buried alongside their children, at St. Michael's Cemetery, in Sioux Falls, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to: CASA Center for Positive Social Change, C/O Stephanie Orr, Executive Director, 2200 N Central Ave, Ste 201, Phoenix, AZ 85004 www.casacares.org (602) 264-6400. Following is a beautiful tribute, written by Michael's daughter, Natalie, to our father & the grandfather whom we loved so much. "On Saturday we said goodbye to my wonderful grandfather, Russell Thomas Orr, born in St. Paul, MN on June 28th, 1924. I'll never know anyone like him again. He was a true gentleman, multi-talented artist, passionate family man, head-over-heels in love husband, loyal friend, patriotic military man, devoted doctor, compassionate listener, charming and comedic storyteller, energetic sportsman, avid gardener, collector of objects, music lover, dapper dancer, chocolate-loving baker, Manhattan mixer, information seeker, world traveler, and admirable life-lover. He will be eternally missed and everyone who's ever known him is better for every second they got to spend with him and his infectiously easy going, positive attitude. My favorite memories of him are countless. Our family loved him and adored him so very much, and I feel blessed to be a small part of him and to be passing that on to my son, who will be introducing himself very soon. Life is amazing. It's a miracle that should be lived to the fullest in every moment that is given, in sickness and in health. Surround yourself by those who love you and those that you love. Nothing is more important. He believed he was the luckiest guy in the world to have his wife and family and there is nothing better than to have known I was a part of that happiness. I've loved every single moment I've ever spent with him and I'm so grateful to have had so many years with him. I got to sing Dream a Little Dream of Me to him on the phone before he passed and I hope it made his journey a little bit more peaceful."