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Michael McIlhany Obituary
SPRINGFIELD - Dr. Michael P. "Mac" McIlhany, MD, 60, of Springfield, died Sunday May 17, 2009, at his residence.
He was born in Chicago, November 5, 1948, the son of Robert and Betty McIlhany. His parents and a brother, Peter, preceded him in death. He married Anita Speaker in Chicago, and they later divorced.
Dr. Michael McIlhany was assistant professor of surgery in the Division of Neurosurgery at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. He was a graduate of the University of Chicago, where he received his bachelor's degree in 1970 and his degree in medicine in 1974. He began his residency training at Chicago University affiliated hospitals and completed a neurosurgery residency program in 1980.
He was a board certified neurosurgeon with special interest in brain tumors, cerebral aneurysms and intracranial hemorrhage. He published numerous research articles and maintained a laboratory with ongoing neurosurgical research projects at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.
Dr. McIlhany was an active member in the American College of Surgeons, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Foundation for International Education in Neurological Surgery Inc., American Medical Association, Illinois Head Injury Association Inc., Illinois State Medical Society and the Sangamon County Medical Society.
Dr. McIlhany loved the outdoors. He was an avid runner, enjoyed gardening and barbecuing. He played chess, enjoyed a variety of music and was a Chicago Bulls fan. He enjoyed his cats.
Surviving are his three children, Robert McIlhany of Springfield, Maureen McIlhany of Champaign, and Dennis McIlhany of Springfield, his sister, Mary (husband, Don) Trout of Petoskey, MI; two brothers, Joseph McIlhany of Homewood, IL, and Matthew (wife, Dawn) McIlhany of Alsip, IL; several nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as his ex-wife Anita McIlhany of Springfield.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bisch & Son Funeral Home, 505 E. Allen, where friends may call from 4:00 p.m. Thursday until time of services there at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. His eulogy will be delivered by his dear friend Dr. Donald Ramsey. Burial will be private in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Division of Neurosurgery.
Please visit the online obituary at www.mem.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael McIlhany
Gayle
June 10, 2009
So sorry to hear that Dr Mac passed away. He was a great doctor. He performed surgery on my back several years ago, I never had to back to him and for that I am grateful. Before I went to see him about surgery, I had asked a few people who had had back surgery before, the comments I recieved made me realize that he must be a good doctor and I have to say that he was. Rest in Peace Doctor. The community and the field of medicine has lost a wonderful man and surgeon.My sympathies to all who loved him, liked him and who will miss him.
Pamela Fritchie
June 7, 2009
My condolences to all of Dr. Mac's family & staff. Dr. Mac was in the business of making the quality of our lives so much better through his expertise of treating our different health problems. It has been a privilege & a honor to know him & to have him for my physician. He was my hero.
Carolyn
June 5, 2009
My deepest condolences. I knew Mac even before Robert "Mad Dog" was born. I worked in his office for several years and later he was my Dr. When I had breast cancer surgery, his was one of the first faces I saw the day after. I'll miss his wry humor. When I worked in his office, he had an on going chess game with Dr. Ramsey and each of them would call me from time to time to move their chess pieces to keep the game moving. Know that many wish you peace and will remember him well. As time passes you will find comfort in your memories of him and the things he loved.
Darrell Colonius
June 3, 2009
June 3, 2009
My prayers are with Dr. McIlhaney's family and staff. I was not a patient of his very long but was referred to him with Trigeminal Neuralgia. I could not eat, talk or shave without much pain. Medicine worked for a very short span. Then on January 26th 2009 a rhizotomy surgery was done. I no longer have the stabbing pains.
I will miss him. I thought he was prompt and a great guy.
Luise Balfanz
May 31, 2009
From my days as a nursing student in 1981 to the night shifts as an ICU RN, then years in the OR with Dr. McIlhany, he was always a professional. He was a kind, sharing person and appropriately expected we do our Best for our patients. Personally, when there was nothing more anyone could do for my brother, he was there to calmly and softly support my grieving family.
Know that he touched many lives in such a positive way - I am saddened for your, and everyone's, loss.
Luise A. Balfanz, CRNA
David Ziegler
May 30, 2009
May 29,2009
With our deepest and heartfelt sympathy
to the family and staff of Dr.McIlhany.
He did my back surgery last June and we
were thankful for what a "Great out come he made happen for me and my wife.
He will be missed by all his patients.
David &Lois Ziegler
Litchfield,Il.
Bill and Cheryl Martin & Family
May 28, 2009
We were so shocked to hear of your loss. Dr. "Mac" has taken wonderful care of our twin sons, Jerrod and Nicholas, since their premature birth in 1982. In the past 27 years he has performed numerous surgeries on them to treat their hydrocephalus plus always there for advice on other medical problems. He always met us personally in the ER - no matter what time or holiday. We offer our deepest sympathy and prayers - we will all miss him dearly.
Bill and Cheryl Martin and Family
CPT Jeff Beierman
May 28, 2009
My condolences to the family of Dr. Mcilhaney. Dr. M. had taken on my case when others would not perform the surgery for my injuries, which were a result of a tour in Iraq. His work immediately relieved my pain and has allowed me to resume my life and career to an extent I never thought was possible. Every day I Thank God for Dr. Mcilhaney's skills in healing me. God Bless his family.
Kathy Leveling
May 25, 2009
I am saddened to hear of your loss. Dr.Mcilhany operated on me in May of 2008, and he did a wonderful job. I had two buldging disc in my neck flattening my spinal cord. Dr. Mcilhany was the best Dr. I have had He understood the pain i was going through and I will miss him dearly. From the Kathy Leveling Family.
Sherie Turner
May 24, 2009
I am saddened to hear of your loss. Dr. McIlhany cared for our son in 1988 when, at 4 years of age, he fell from a ladder suffering a depressed skull fracture. He was waiting for us when we arrived from the rural hospital, assessed the problem, and immediately took our son to surgery to repair the fracture. I cannot tell you how scared we were and how bad I felt about leaving that ladder against the house while I was painting. Dr. McIlhany was extemely kind, compassionate, and reassuring during this very difficult time in our lives. Our son recovered completely with no neurological deficits. Dr. McIlhany had to be a very special person to deal with this kind of trauma, stress, and emotion daily in his career. We are thankful he was there for our family. His family has our heartfelt sympathy at this time.
Molly Rothwell-Schmitt Brandys mom
May 23, 2009
Dear McILHany Family,
I am sorry for your loss, he was indeed an expert in his field of medicine, he saved my daughters life at 9 months old in Aug 1981 from cancer (neuroblastoma). Several operations & years later she is 28,I placed him as GODS right hand man that day. In 2007 I became patient. He would enter the room shake my daughters hand hi patient, and the same with me, my children were very upset when I had surgrey.Knowing he was the surgeon eased their minds He was the most understanding,caring,truthful Dr.I have ever known. Many times over the years some Dr would think her tumors had returned, my first call would be to him,he would look at xrays,MRI s call me and always (I don't see it). And correct he was.As crazy as I was then, his nurse Pam or Dr always returned my calls,he understood. Privileged to have been a patient, and to have him as a Doctor. Springfield has lost a Great Surgeon,Mentor,and Friend.
Kim Henrikson
May 23, 2009
Dear Robert, Maureen, & Dennis,
My first entry did not make it to the guestbook. My prayers and thoughts are with you. I have loved your father for a long time. I am sorry for your loss.
Love,
Kim Conn (Henrikson)
Cathy Carr
May 22, 2009
I was shocked when I opened the letter in today's mail telling me Dr McIlhany had passed. I just saw him May 1st and was looking forward to my next visit July 10th. It's so hard to believe. He was always so full of energy, kind of bouncing into the room. He did 2 surgeries in the past 3 years and we were still doing follow-ups hoping to avoid another. He was someone you instinctively knew you could trust to do whatever he thought needed to be done. I never questioned his opinions. He was the most careful and thorough doctor I ever went to. I just can't believe it. My deepest sympathies to his family and staff. He touched us all and will be greatly missed.
Andrew Tsung MD
May 22, 2009
I was deeply saddened to hear of Dr. McIlhany's passing. The neurosurgical community has lost a great surgeon. As a past medical student at SIU, my first exposure to neurosurgery was Mac's OR...along with his quirkiness and striking intelligence. Now as I complete training as a neurosurgeon myself, I realize how great he was not only as a physician, but also as a compasssionate and caring human being. You will be dearly missed.
Tracy Hocking, CRNA
May 22, 2009
Our community has suffered a great loss with the passing of Dr. McIlhany. He was a talented surgeon and not only did he care deeply for his patients, he expected those of us who also cared for his patients to do the same. It won't be the same without him. My deepest sympathies to his family. He will be missed.
Lynne Speaker
May 22, 2009
Robert, Dennis, Maureen and Nita,
I have thought of you so much since learning of Michael's death. Life is certainly difficult and unpredictable. I hope the good memories you have will help you get through this. With love, Aunt Lynne
Toni & Amanda Cook
May 22, 2009
Our sincere condolences to Dr. McIlhaney's family. He was such a very caring man and such a caring doctor to his patients. He will definitely be missed by every single life that he touch. God bless him. May he rest in peace.
Judy Ahrens
May 22, 2009
I was so sorry to here of Dr Mac's passing. I just saw him last Friday after my medtronic stimilator inplant in JAN and he said doing good will see you back in 6mo.He also did sugrery on me in July 2007. I thought what is going to happen with me and he was GREAT. I asked him did he go to bed b-4 7pm each night he said why. I said you could set your clock to him in the hospital. He came in every day between 5a.m and 5:15a.m. each morning. He just laughted and said i just don't need a lot of sleep. we talked about our cats. cause one of my cats made me take a fall. Like I needed that. I will miss you so much I did get to know you and am so glad I did. you were GREAT.When your appt was say like 8:30 you were in with him he did not come in 15min or more. He would sAY YOUR TIME IS AS IMPORTANT AS MINE. I like that in him. Thank you for not making us wait at appt to see you.
My heart goes out to his family. May God give you peace and we will see him some day soon. Just rembember He loved LIFE and loved you.
Always
Judy Ahrens
Jonathan Alexander
May 22, 2009
I was a patient of Dr. McIlhany's in 2008 and thought he was the best. I am saddend to hear of his passing and I appreciated knowing this brilliant man. I am thankful for his help and skill. My sympathies to his family and staff, expecially Carrie.
Sherry Longcor
May 22, 2009
My sincere condolences to Dr. McIlhany's family. I placed my life in his caring hands three years ago and he saved me. My heart breaks with this news. I will be forever grateful for having him in my life and I will miss him terribly.
Sherry (Sullivan) Ward
May 22, 2009
My deepest sympathies to all of Mac's family and friends. He was truly a unique individual and will be missed.
Donna Gonsalves
May 22, 2009
So sorry to hear of your loss, Dr. McIlhany was the VERY BEST at his profession as a Neuro Surgeon,He will be greatly and sadly missed by all;Please accept my most deepest and sincere sympathy for your loss of a great man and mentor. I learned alot working with him during my 15 years at St.John's, in which 10 of those years were on the night shift,those were also the times i worked with Dr. McIlhany as a trauma scrub nurse....I remember those nights like it was yesterday! Please accept my Deepest and Most Sincere Sympathy for your loss and sorrow. Sincerly, Donna G.
mark fishbein
May 22, 2009
My condolences to family.
Ryan Naffziger
May 22, 2009
My sympathies echo those of Kelly Bewsey. I had the pleasure of having Mac as a professor during medical school and surgical residency at SIU. More than medicine he taught me of life..."and if you think long enough...you'll realize you don't know anything." This bit of zen was promptly followed by a line and gesture from one his intellectual favorites, the Three Stooges. I still resite many of his quotes in that special Chicago accent while in the OR! He will be greatly missed!
Cyndi Beck
May 22, 2009
As a nurses in the OR, we always knew the one way to get Mac to relax & talk...(even smile)...ask about the kids. Maureen, Robert , Dennis.... He always loved talking about you. Peace.
Rebecca Jimison
May 22, 2009
Springfield and our Country has lost a wonderful Man and great Surgeon. He saved my life in Dec. 2001. It is also sad that his teaching skills will no longer be passed on the future Doctors.
Veronica Martinez, RN
May 21, 2009
It is always a sad time when someone so talented leaves us. He was an intelligent surgeon/ physician. He expected nothing less than excellence in the care of his patients. My prayers go out to his family in their time of need.
Kelly Bewsey, MD
May 21, 2009
My deepest condolences go out to Mac's family. I had the pleasure of knowing him as a colleague and a friend during my residency at SIU. I will always remember his witty comments and deep appreciation of the human condition. He will be missed.
Phyllis Schulte
May 21, 2009
Dr. McIlhany was my husband Nick's neurosurgeon in 1985...when Dr. Mac was quite a young doctor. In 1993 Nick had a second brain tumor, and again Dr. Mac performed surgery. Dr. Mac's skill and expetise gave Nick 14 years of life. Nick died in 1999 at age 54. Dr. Mac's caring and that of his nurse, Pam Ray, from 1985 to 1999 helped us so much. I am truly saddened to learn of his death. My since sympathy to all his family and collegues
Pam Ray
May 21, 2009
I worked with Mac for many years. He taught me so much. I will always remember how he comforted families of those he could no longer help with his words and actions. His hands on approach and caring manner with the patients and the families will truly be his legacy. My thoughts and prayers go to his children and family as they struggle to make peace with all of this. May you always feel his presence in your hearts. Springfield has lost a very talented neurosurgeon.
May 21, 2009
Dear Dr McIlhany, You called yourself ordinary but you were anything but that.A brilliant neuro surgeon who was dependable,dedicated,always there for people who signed every order he wrote thank you.Thank You Dr McIlhany ,you are sadly missed.My thoughts and prayers are with your friends and family.Jane Mills RN
Terry Pencek
May 21, 2009
Mac-
You were my partner when I came to Springfield 20 years ago. Always a reader and thinker. I will miss you too. Dr. Sean Mullin, your mentor was always proud of your vascular coiling in the brain 25 years before it became the standard.
Carrie West
May 20, 2009
Robert, Maureen, and Dennis: I can not begin to explain what an impact Mac had on me. I was his nurse for the last 3 years and he taught me more life lessons and gave me so much more confidence in myself that I never thought was possible. He cared for our patients like no one I had ever seen. He truly cared about them as people, not as a diagnosis. He was an exceptional surgeon with so much compassion. He was just a wonderful man and I will greatly miss him. I pray that these memories from his friends, family, and patients will help to give you peace.
Bruce Beeman
May 20, 2009
I personally know many people whose lives and health were rendered much better by the skillful hands of Dr. Mcilhany. He was a surgeon whose care for his patients continued long after the surgery was completed. It is a tragic loss to Springfield he is no longer here with us. May God bless him and his family.
Emily McMichaels
May 20, 2009
To Dr. Mack's Family and Friends
We are so sorry for your loss!
Just like everyone else on here, he too saved my dad's life and if it wasn't for him, my dad would not be here with us today. We thank God for him every day and always will. He will truely be missed by my family! We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers!
May 20, 2009
To the Family and Friends of Dr. McIlhany:
This world has suffered a great loss in Mac's passing. An incredible, talented surgeon, compassionate human being, and dedicated care-giver and healthcare professional...Will be missed by all.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers
Pam Brandon, RN, BA, CCRN
Springfield, IL
Krohe Family
May 20, 2009
Dr. Mcilhany was our Doctor for 26 years starting out with my brother who has spina befida then 8 years later I was born and i also have spina befida. Dr Mcilhany was my favorite doctor and we will truely miss him.
Anne Anderson
May 20, 2009
Luckily, he was able to save my life in 2000, I had a brain hemorrage. Without his skills, I would not be here today. So I owe him thanks.
Deb DaRosa
May 20, 2009
Was so sorry to hear of Dr. McIlhany's passing. My deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and patients.
Carol Bauer
May 20, 2009
It was a privilege to have worked with Mac at SIU for the past 10 years. He was an exceptional surgeon, a caring physician and a wonderful human being. He will be greatly missed, as a colleague and a friend.
Mike Mazzocco
May 20, 2009
My deepest sympathies to the McIlhaney family on their sudden loss. Dr. McIlhaney saved my life 8 years ago and since then was my daughter's mentor during her neurosurgery rotation at SIU. I always enjoyed my annual follow up visit him. His bright energy will surely be missed.
Sister Mary Jo Schulte
May 20, 2009
My prayers and thoughts to Dr's family. He cared for my brother and kept him with us for 14 years after his brain tumor was diagnosed. Dr. was always honest with us, and soft spoken. Sister Mary Jo Schulte, osf
Tina Nutaut
May 20, 2009
My deepest sympathy to the McIlhaey Family. He was a great doctor and surgeon. He will be missed.
Jenni
May 20, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. McIlhany's family. He was my four-year-old daughter's neurosurgeon.He has been her surgeon since the day after she was born when he did a, in my eyes, life saving procedure. He was an amazing doctor and man. He really cared about Isabella and her well being. May your memories bring you comfort.
SANDRA WRIGHT
May 20, 2009
Iam sorry to hear of the loss of a great surgeon. I worked in the clinic for him and other SIU physcians.SANDRA WRIGHT,GARY WRIGHT,MD AND SCOTT WRIGHT,MD.
Pat Knod
May 20, 2009
My deepest sympathy to the McIlhany Family. Dr. McIlhany was my mentor many years ago during my surgery rotation and he left quite an impression. He will be missed.
Deb
May 20, 2009
My thoughts and prayers be with you. He was a great Doctor. He saved my daughter's life many times...he will missed
Therese Svetlik
May 20, 2009
Dear Dr. Mac,
I will not forget your delicate handy work. Thanks for the privilege of working with you. You helped many. You will be missed at St. John's OR.
My thoughts and prayers will be with your family.
Dan Custeau
May 20, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Christy Yow
May 20, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go to the McIlhany family. I had the pleasure of having him for my doctor for many years. He has also treated several members of my family. He was wonderful at what he did. I will always remember him and what he did to help with my medical prolems.
Cindi Bottoms-Briggs
May 20, 2009
Dear: Dr. McIlhany Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Dr. McIlhany was an awesome surgeon, he did my brain surgery 5 years ago. He took very good care of his patients. I have much respect for him.
He will be missed by so many of his patients, family and friends.
May 20, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Antje Pippin
May 20, 2009
Dear McIlhany Family,
My Daughter, Cassie, was one of Doc's first patients in Springfield. She was born with Spina Bifida and spent several months in the NICU at St. John's. He did several surgeries for her and followed up with her until her 20's. He was always kind and gentle with her and had a way of explaining things to her that no one else has ever had. Doc treated her as one of his own and really made her feel special. We have thanked God for His work through Doc many times over the years and will remember him fondly. May God bless you during this time of loss.
Joanie Caselton
May 20, 2009
My deep condolences to Dr. McIlhany's family. Dr. McIlhany was my neurosurgeon and I always thought of him as some sort of "god". He was incredible, caring and I always entrusted my life to him. When he did my cranioplasty, I awoke to a young med student just watching me. We had such a long talk about my history and about Dr. McIlhany. My surgery was a first for this med student and Dr. McIlhany made such a huge impression on him, I often wondered if he chose neurosurgery as his speciality. I am sadden about the loss of such an exceptional doctor and man.
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