Ishwar Valjibhai Thakkar M.D.

Ishwar Valjibhai Thakkar, M.D.

September 24, 1945-August 20, 2021

Ishwar Valjibhai Thakkar, M.D. passed away on August 20th, 2021, surrounded by his devoted wife and children.

Dr. Thakkar was born in the small village of Anklav in Gujurat, India. Born of humble means to a grain store owner, he and his six siblings had a simple, joyful childhood. With much perseverance and hard work, he was awarded a rare merit scholarship to Baroda Medical School. He thrived in medical school, regularly finishing at the top of his class. His own fondest accomplishment was the cadre of life-long friends he made while there – this group of young doctors came to America together and helped each other navigate a new way of life.

Just prior to leaving for America, he met and married his wife, Jaya. Their bond was forged quickly over a (chaperoned) ice-cream date, and a partnership was made that lasted over 50 years. With Jaya, they created a beautiful, rich life together.

Dr. Thakkar arrived in America in 1971 and shined as a resident at Chicago's Cook County Hospital. He completed an internal medicine residency and was courted for several fellowships, ultimately deciding to proceed with Endocrinology as a subspecialty.

Dr. Thakkar worked as an Endocrinologist in Rock Island, IL for over 30 years. His life's work as a physician brought him great satisfaction and touched the lives of countless patients. He was known as an extraordinarily skilled, dedicated, gentle, kind, and humble doctor. He was a lifelong student, continuously learning new medical skills, and achieved board certifications in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Nuclear Medicine, and Geriatric Medicine. He served as Franciscan Hospital's President of Medical Staff for several years and served in numerous leadership positions in the medical community. For almost 2 decades he managed and led a patient-centered Diabetes education seminar for the community – educating patients was his life's purpose.

Gentle, generous, peaceful and kind is how almost everyone described Dr. Thakkar. He was everyone's favorite doctor and favorite friend. He was an exceptional, patient and selfless father and the most loving and dedicated husband. His kindness and generosity touched so many lives – whether it was through the collegel he founded in his hometown of Anklav, his work through Hindu Charities of America, Pratham USA , or the numerous individuals he helped along the way. Almost singlehandedly, he supported and sponsored numerous family members from India to come and live out the American Dream much as he did.

Though the initial impression was of a quiet and reserved gentleman, beneath was a playful soul and masterful joke-teller. He was adored for his simplicity, dignity, wise advice, soft heart, quiet strength, and decency. A small-town immigrant with big dreams led a most extraordinary life. He is survived by his wife – Jaya Thakkar (Austin) and 2 Children – Ameet (Anjaly, Houston), Anita (Thiru, Austin) – six doting grandchildren, four siblings, and several nieces and nephews.