Milton G. YODER M.D.

1945 - 2022

Milton Grant Yoder M.D. passed away on Friday, December 30, 2022 at age 77 with his family by his side. He was born in Auburn, Indiana in 1945 to Harold and Dorothy Yoder. He grew up in Trenton, Illinois and graduated from Wesclin High School in 1963 where he played varsity basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, cross country, track and was an Eagle Scout. He attended Culver Academy in the summer. As a cornet player, he made All-State in Illinois. After graduation, his family moved to Ohio where he went to The Ohio State University. As a freshman, he was the president of his dorm. He became chairman of Traditions Board which ran the major student events and joined Delta Tau Delta fraternity. A forever Buckeye fan, going to football games was very special throughout his days at OSU. Upon graduation, he was chosen as one of the Top 5 Senior Class Men for his leadership, scholarship, participation, and character. It was there that he met his future wife, Joelyn von Haam. They married in 1968 during her junior year and his first year in medical school at Ohio State. After their graduations, he did his internship and first year surgical residency at Vanderbilt University. They moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan for his five years of residency in otorhinolaryngology including a year of research. Milt served two years in the Army as a Major at Eisenhower Medical Center at Fort Gordon in Augusta, GA. Wearing his uniform gave him entrance into the Masters on practice days. Dr. Yoder then joined an ENT practice in Knoxville, Tennessee for a few years before moving to Baltimore. He had offices in Lutherville and Fallston. Upon asking him what he liked best about medicine, he would say "taking care of my patients."

He had a successful medical career including President of the Tri-State Otolaryngology Society, the Tennessee of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, and East Tennessee Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. He served on the Board of Governors of the American Academy of Otolaryngology, receiving the Honor award and the Maryland Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery. He was on innumerable hospital committees and clinical staffs. He made over 34 oral presentations and contributed to over 17 articles. He wrote a chapter, "Geriatric Ear, Nose and Throat Problems" in Clinical Aspects of Aging. Dr. Yoder's research was mostly focused on postoperative infections in major head and neck surgery.

The highlight of his life was his family. He and Joelyn were together for over 54 years. He had four incredible sons, their lovely wives, and nine adoring grandchildren. He loved coaching his sons' basketball games, attending their sporting events in high school and college lacrosse games, watching his grandchildren's athletics, and family dinners. Beach vacations with the family filled with laughter were very special. They had many memorable trips together. In winter months he and his wife lived in West Palm Beach. They recently moved to Bonita Springs to a golfing community. Many of his Baltimore friends were nearby and he loved being with all of them.

Milt had a great sense of humor, often introducing himself as 'Uncle Milty.' Many called him 'Doc.' He was outgoing, friendly, and fun. He had a great sense of humor, a ready smile, and was eager to meet new friends. He was very patient, bright, gentle, kind, and amicable. Caring for his family, his patients, and his friends were most important to him. He was very involved in his neighborhood, the community, and his boys' high schools. A 40-year member of L'Hirondelle, he enjoyed playing tennis and paddle. Bridge was a passion. He ran 15 marathons. He then started daily spinning classes. He was compassionate and an excellent listener to all. He will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Joelyn, sons Grant of Arlington, VA (Beth), Emmerich of York, PA (Sarah), Carson of Miami, FL (Ana), and Reid of Austin, TX (Melissa), his grandchildren (Sophie, Natalie, Emme, E.J., Tessa, Stella, Zachary, Nico, and Kai), Joelyn's family, his cousins, and his beloved Aunt Lucy.

A celebration of Milt's life will be held in Spring. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to a favorite charity in his honor.