Donald Wolfel Obituary
Donald A. Wolfel M.D., age 95, passed away on November 3, 2023, in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Dr. Wolfel was born on July 25, 1928, in Baltimore, Maryland to the late William and Myrtle Wolfel.
Dr. Wolfel had a long and dedicated career in medicine, graduating from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1952. In 1953 he entered the Army. Afterwards in 1958 he received a degree in Radiology from the American Board of Radiology. Dr. Wolfel’s high point in his very long career was the 26 years he spent as the Radiologist for LCMC in Ruidoso (1992-2018). When he retired at the age of 90 in 2018, the Lincoln County commissioners recognized his service by pledging the name of the Radiology Department at Lincoln County Medical Center after him. This was unveiled on July 3, 2018.
Dr. Wolfel had served as chair of the LCMC Foundation since 2011. He also served as a member of the LCMC Board of Trustees for over 10 years.
Through his service, he touched many lives in this community, and he will be remembered for his extensive knowledge, caring and dedication to his patients. He always took time to carefully review x-rays with the medical staff but also with patients to help them understand their care. Dr. Wolfel was also a dedicated teacher to the radiology staff as well as to the next generation of medical students.
Dr. Wolfel is preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Lee Wolfel; brothers, Gus Wolfel, and Bill Wolfel; and stepson, Tyson LaCour.
Dr. Wolfel is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia Wolfel; son, Steve Wolfel of Los Alamos, NM; daughter, Donna Hale of Sammamish, WA; brother-in-law, Steve Sherrill of Edgewood, NM; sister-in-law, Pam Sherrill of Aurora, CO; very special lifelong friends, Dr. Frank and Susan DiMotta of Ruidoso, NM and James Smith of Albuquerque, NM; and stepson, Terrell LaCour who will miss the endless hours he spent working with Don on his property and talking football and politics.
A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, November 9th, 2023, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm, at Spencer Theater in Alto, New Mexico.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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