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Richard STEURY Obituary
Dr. Richard E. Steury, "Dick", a pioneer in renal treatment and one of the founders of the Sacred Heart Hospital Kidney Center, passed away on February 27, at the age of 95.
Born on March 31, 1929, in Danville, Illinois, Dick earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois. Dick met and married his wife, Lois Marlett, in Chicago, where he was training as a doctor, and she was in nurses training. They were married 72 years.
With a career spanning over 40 years, Dick specialized in kidney disease treatment and patient care. He played a key role in establishing the Sacred Heart Artificial Kidney Center in Spokane with Dr. Thomas Marr and Dr. Loren Gothberg, now a leading institution for renal care. Dick was instrumental in advancing dialysis treatments, promoting early kidney disease detection, expanding home dialysis access, and mentoring future nephrologists.
Outside of medicine, Dick was a devoted husband and father who valued time with his children and grandchildren. He was passionate about outdoor activities including skiing, backpacking, and golf, and despite his long work hours, the family enjoyed winter ski trips and outdoor summer vacations with him. He was a consummate golfer who worked on his game with diligence well into his late 80s, managed a few holes-in-one, and volunteered as a WA state referee for junior golf competitions, as his own game slowed down.
Dr. Steury is survived by his wife, Lois; his children, Craig, (Carol), Tom, (Olga), Susie, Julie (Peter), and Ken; and five grandchildren. We will forever miss his love of play, dry wit, and quiet wisdom. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Parkinsons Foundation, (www.parkinsons.org).
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard STEURY
2 Entries
Connie Ensminger
March 12, 2025
I first met Dr. Steury in 1970. I had just turned 15 and was really sick with joint inflammation, sudden weight loss, numbness, physical exhaustion and other symptoms that were not normal. Our family doctor had no idea what to do with me so he called a doctor that he said could help me. That doctor was Dr. Steury. He met me and my mom at Sacred Heart a half hour later and he told me he would figure out what was making me feel so bad. Over the next 2 weeks he was relentless, running test after test. Finally, after ruling so many scary diseases out, he diagnosed me with lupus and within a few days I started feeling "chipper" (his words), even getting to go home. I went in for bloodwork every few days so Dr. Steury could keep an eye on my recovery. He told me and my mom that if I hadn't gone to the hospital when I did there was a chance I would not have made it. Dr. Steury saved my life! I missed half of my freshman year while I recovered and went on to live a very normal life, having 2 children of my own. When I was first diagnosed, he recommended that I not have children because of the risks but when my husband and I asked again he took the time to research lupus patients and pregnancy and discovered that the risks were not as high as originally thought. I continued to see him for my medical care until his early retirement. He was the most caring, uplifting, positive doctor I have ever met. My condolences to his family. He will be missed.
Forever Grateful,
Connie Ensminger
Terry Wick
March 9, 2025
I started working at Sacred Heart Medical Center as a new Graduate Practical Nurse in 1975 and met Dr. Steury on 7 South. I appreciated his dry wit, his kindness and dedication to his patients. Always pleasant and easy to talk to. It was such a pleasure to work with him. I am sorry to hear of his passing. Heaven is rejoicing that another good and faithful servant has come home. My sympathy to his family and friends.
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