Dr. E. Malcolm Field

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of one of the world’s kindest and most selfless individuals, the gifted neurosurgeon Dr. E. Malcolm Field, who passed away peacefully on Monday, November 3rd, 2025, at the age of 95. Dr. Field was a world-renowned neurosurgeon who devoted his life to the people of Saginaw and the Mid-Michigan communities. He was dearly loved by his colleagues, patients, friends, and family.

Born on April 10, 1930, in Brighton, Michigan, Dr. Field developed a strong sense of discipline, humility, and compassion while growing up on his parents’ farm, which instilled in him a lifelong work ethic. His motivation to become a physician arose from witnessing the disparity in medical care available to rural communities, where access to specialists was often limited.

After excelling in high school, Dr. Field attended the University of Michigan, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree and later his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in 1956. He completed his medical internship at Saginaw General Hospital in 1957, where he began his clinical and surgical training. In 1958, he entered a neurosurgical residency at Henry Ford Hospital, an experience he later described as “transformational.” There, he learned to balance surgical innovation with the virtue of restraint and sound clinical judgment.

By 1961, Dr. Field earned his board certification in neurological surgery and returned to Saginaw to join a neurosurgical practice affiliated with Saint Mary’s Hospital, where he built an illustrious career spanning more than six decades. A pioneer in his field, Dr. Field was instrumental in introducing innovative neurosurgical procedures and advanced technology—including the CyberKnife—to improve patient care.

In 1974, Dr. Field married Lois Jean Datte, a nurse at Saint Mary’s Hospital. Together they shared a life devoted to service, family, and faith. In 1988, Dr. Field and his brothers—Frank, Irving, and John—used proceeds from the sale of their family farm to establish the Field Neurosciences Institute (FNI), dedicated to excellence in clinical care, education, research, and injury prevention. Dr. Field remained its guiding force for the rest of his life, helping countless patients and families through FNI’s mission.

Dr. Field and Lois also supported numerous educational and research initiatives, including the Clifford H. Spicer Endowed Chair of Engineering, the E. Malcolm and Lois Field Endowed Chair of Neuroscience, the Roberts-Gilbertson Fellowship at Saginaw Valley State University, and the E. Malcolm Field and Gary Leo Dunbar Endowed Chair of Neuroscience at Central Michigan University. His contributions were recognized with numerous honors, including the Spirit of St. Vincent De Paul Award and Dr. Edgar Balcueva’s Heart of Gold Award for his outstanding service to St. Mary’s of Michigan.

In the early 1990s, Dr. Field partnered with Demos Demosthenous to form Skyweb Networks, one of the region’s first internet services aimed at connecting underserved, rural communities to the online world. Outside of medicine, Dr. Field cherished time spent at his cottage in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He had a lifelong love of music—often playing piano at FNI events and serving for many years as organist at the Free Methodist Church in Saginaw. A passionate student of history, he admired the leadership of Winston Churchill and frequently shared lessons drawn from Churchill’s resilience and courage.

A devout Christian, Dr. Field’s life was guided by his faith, humility, and selfless devotion to helping others.

Dr. Field is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Lois, and was preceded in death by his parents, Irving and Alta Emma (Chamberlain) Field, his brothers Frank, Irving, and John, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025 at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Rd. A private funeral service will take place and Dr. Field will be interred in Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery. A public memorial service will take place at a date and time to be announced later. 

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to The Malcolm and Lois Field Foundation, continuing Dr. Field’s lifelong vision of advancing treatments for injuries and diseases of the brain and spinal cord.

Please share your memories of Dr. Field at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.