John William Gilsdorf

Dr. John William Gilsdorf peacefully passed away, surrounded by his loving wife and family, on
November 27, 2023.

He was born to Dr. Walter H. and Esther L. Gilsdorf on August 31, 1937, in Dickinson, North Dakota, the
third of four sons. They moved to Valley City, ND, where he resided until his high school graduation in
1955. He and his high school sweetheart, Karen Langemo, earned and shared the Co-Valedictorian
honor together. He completed his four-year pre-medical degree at the University of North Dakota in
three years, graduating in 1958 at the top of his class. He then began his Doctor of Medicine program at
the same university for two years, transferring to the University of Pennsylvania until earning his
doctorate in 1962 with top academic honors.

John married Karen in 1959 and they moved to Oregon in 1962, where he completed his internship and
orthopedic residency at Oregon Health Sciences University. During his residency, he particularly enjoyed
his year at Shriners Children’s Hospital where he was able to help several children, surgically, to
overcome their disabilities. In 1967, they relocated to Medford where he joined the Orthopedic and
Fracture Clinic. He practiced his trade for 29 years during which time he helped countless citizens of the
Rogue Valley and its environs.

In his retirement, John and Karen spent sixteen years in central Oregon, residing in Sun River and then
Eagle Crest. John was an active member of the Sun River Anglers club and participated in several local
conservation efforts.

John passionately pursued his hobbies outside of work. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed
hunting, fishing, rafting, skiing, and camping. He was an artist in several mediums from woodworking to
stained glass. He loved music and was a member of the Rogue Valley Chorale for several seasons. His
artistic talent and love of his community came together several Christmas seasons when John, dressed
as Santa, delivered hand-made toys to children. He always had a smile and words of honest
encouragement for his family, patients, friends and neighbors.

John is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Dr. Walter Gilsdorf and Dr. Robert Gilsdorf. He is
survived by Karen, his loving wife of sixty-three years; daughters Laura Hoyes and Kathleen Bedford
(Steve); sons John (Kimberly) and Thomas (Jennifer); and grandchildren Christopher Hoyes, Jacob
Gilsdorf, Alex Gilsdorf, Anna McCarley, Jack Bedford, Emily Gilsdorf, Harrison Bedford; one great-
grandson Christopher Hoyes, Jr.; and his younger brother, Dr. James Gilsdorf.

The family is grateful for the loving care John received from Asante Hospice during his final days.
The memorial service will be held at Perl Funeral Home in Medford on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at
2:00pm.

Memorial contributions can be made to Asante Hospice, the Alzheimer’s Association of Oregon and/or
Shriners Children’s Portland in John’s name.