James A. Lindblade M.D.

1936 - 2024

James A. Lindblade, MD

June 1, 1936 - November 14, 2024

James Alfred Lindblade, age 88, beloved doctor, husband, father, grandfather and friend, died at UW East Madison Hospital on November 14, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin, with his family by his side. The cause was complications of dementia.

Born in Rockford, IL, in 1936 to George and Edna Lindblade, Jim arrived unexpectedly, 30 minutes after the birth of his twin sister. An incubator was sent to Rockford from UW Hospital in Madison to ensure his survival.

He was educated at North Park Junior College in Chicago, IL, Augustana College in Rock Island, IL, and received his M.D. degree from the University of Chicago Medical School. He completed his OB-GYN residency at Washington University, St. Louis, MO, and was Board Certified as a member of the College of OB-GYN.

He served 2 years in the Army at Madigan General Hospital in Fort Lewis, Washington, and later served in the local Army Evac Hospital with a rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

He delivered more than 3,000 babies throughout his career, primarily at Madison General Hospital (now Meriter). He was a partner for 20 years at the Quisling Clinic. He then worked at the University Health Services and the University of Wisconsin Medical School.

Throughout his life he enjoyed golf (although not the rising handicap index as he grew older), but as the years went by, scoring his age (or less) on the golf course was an occasional feat which he accomplished. He enjoyed playing golf with a number of friends, many of whom were members of his Wednesday Afternoon Golf Assn (WAGA) group, as well as friends who were or are current members of Maple Bluff Country Club. Gardening gladdened his soul. Volunteering at Olbrich Gardens, Lakeview Library and the library at Meriter Hospital were welcomed parts of his retirement years.

Over the years, he and Kay vacationed with their "Johnson family" to places such as Florida, New York City, Boston, and many other memorable destinations. They also cherished time spent with the Hoders at Bass Lake, and in Florida with Kay's sister and brother-in-law (Shirley and Ken Faulk).

Throughout his life, he was a member of three churches: the Evangelical Covenant Church, First Baptist Church (Madison), and Bethel Lutheran Church (Madison).

Immediately surviving him include his wife of 58-years, Kay (Karlson) Lindblade, two daughters Kristen Rider (Charlie) of Madison, Susan Engwall (Brent) of Waunakee, four granddaughters, Madeline and Grace Rider and Katie and Sarah Engwall, and brother Bruce Lindblade (Dorothy) of Rockford. He was preceded in death by his parents George Lindblade and Edna (Swanson) Lindblade, twin sister Janice (Lindblade) Johnson, and brother-in-law Roger Johnson.

A celebration of life will be held at TPC Wisconsin, 1659 Players Drive, Madison, WI 53704 on Saturday, November 23, 2024. Doors open at 11 a.m., celebration begins at 11:15 a.m. Please come prepared with stories celebrating Jim and the full life he lived. Reception to follow.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church (312 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison, WI 53703), or North Park University (Office of Advancement, 3225 W. Foster Avenue, Box 6, Chicago, IL 60625).