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Jeffrey Piehler Obituary
Prairie Village, Kansas/Worcester - Jeffrey M. Piehler passed away on November 14, in his home surrounded by family and friends. Jeff was born on June 11, 1947, in New York City, the son of Edmund O. Piehler, M.D. and Martha C. Piehler. He grew up in Worcester, with his three siblings Edmund Jr. (Ned), Jennifer, and Lisa. He graduated from Phillips Academy, Williams College and Cornell University Medical College. His surgical career took him to the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center for general surgery training and the Mayo Clinic for training in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery. He became the head of residency training program in thoracic surgery at St. Luke's Hospital. In 2000, Jeff moved to KU Medical Center as a Clinical Professor of Surgery.
Jeff was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2002, and side effects of chemotherapy forced his retirement. His intellectual curiosity never failed him. He relearned French and was a passionate and knowledgeable collector of American antique furniture and art. Jeff pursued cooking with his usual perfectionism and his wine collection became epic in scope. His pursuit of photography was transformative, particularly a photography trip to Bhutan. Jeff came to appreciate that a life should not be measured by a quantitative list of accomplishments, but by the greater standard of what one has done for family, friends, and strangers.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Jean, his four children, Britton, Timothy, Benjamin, and Elizabeth, four grandchildren and friends too numerous to name. He left this world having touched so many people, first with his work as a surgeon, and later by embodying his beliefs that genuine human connection is paramount, and that beauty can be found everywhere.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Jeff may be made to the University of Kansas Cancer Center via the KU Endowment Association. A collection of Jeff's writings and photographs can be found at www.jeffreypiehler.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Piehler
Danny M. LPN
December 15, 2019
Was so touched of a documentary I saw of the good Dr. Rest In Peace. God bless...
Linda Bryant
April 1, 2017
Many years ago I too worked with Dr. Piehler. He was a fairly new surgeon to St.. Luke's and we had been detailed to go to an in town retrieval. Yes he was kind and yes compassionate, but maybe not so aware of driving and the lack of yielding to emergency vehicles during those days. (Hopefully it's better). At any rate we got back into the ambulance to take our newly retrieved organ back to MidAmerica and the driver asks: "is this an emergency?" Well it was, but....Dr. Piehler got a wicked twinkle in his eye and responded: "yes, man. . .drive like the wind!
A harrowing thirty minutes later we skidded to our home destination. Dr. Piehler exited nonplussed and I brought up the rear vowing never to get in a moving vehicle with him again!
I think of my time at St. Luke's and remember the staff and physicians fondly. Jean and family although belated, I'm sorry for your loss.
Caroline Dillard
November 16, 2016
May God continue to be with this, boldly honest, man's family. I have just had the privilege to learn of his life and his work, his life work. I never knew him but his life, his legacy, has touched my heart. Working in healthcare, with patients and families, he has renewed my purpose!
May God Bless
Margarete Tolmie
October 3, 2015
Dear Mrs Piehler, daughter and son,
It was at my husbands last visit with Dr. Piehler who released him after Lung surgery, Dr told us, he too was affected with cancer," not something I even considered at this age".
Dr. Bell took care of Ed( Edward TOLMIE)after that.
I have never forgotten Dr. Piehler's words. Often I wondered how he was getting along.
Yesterday, at the showing of the Film, I learned he also was in the arms of the Lord along with my husband.
My husbands diagnosis had been told to us in the most gentle way. After a long battle with metastasis to the spine, Ed left us.
I will never forget Dr. Piehler, his care, kindness and empathy toward all of us gave us comfort and support always.
I offer our sincerest Sympathy to you, his family,
sincerely,
Margarete Tolmie
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December 26, 2014
It saddened me to learn just today that Dr. Piehler died in November. God's blessings be with each of you and may happy memories help comfort you. With prayers, Karla and Pete Leibham
Chris Clevenger
November 30, 2014
I worked with Dr. Piehler at KU. He was a wonderful teaching physician and truly cared for the patients. I know he touched many lives not only as a physician, but as a person as well. My deepest sympathies.
November 26, 2014
To the Piehler family,
I had the pleasure of meetimg Jeff in 2004 at KU where he cared for my wife who had lung cancer. He laughed when I told him I had read a lot of his journal articles prior to our consult; I wanted to know who I was dealing with! After establishing a plan, and upon our leaving I had one more question for Jeff. There were 50 or 60 people in that waiting room this morning--how did you know to immediately come to us? He simply said: Do you think that you are the only one who did his homework? We knew we had met a treasure. My wife died in August, 2005. Shortly thereafter, I received a letter from Dr. Piehler that was so caring and lovely I have thought about it every day since then. I know that doctors spend a good deal of time away from their families; I simply want to thank all of you for sharing your Jeff with all of us who really needed him too!
Patrick Audley Sr.
Leawood, Kansas
Paul Tinsley
November 23, 2014
Lisa...I am so sorry to read about the loss of your brother...My Condolences..
Irv Piehler
November 21, 2014
Lisa, Jen & family,
I am saddened to hear of the loss of Jeff. My thoughts are with all of you in this time of sorrow. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of Jeffrey and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this tragic time.
Paula Skog
November 20, 2014
Jeffrey's dad was my much loved pediatrician. What a beautiful legacy the whole family has left.
November 20, 2014
Lisa, You told some great stories about Jeff and I know you have great memories. My condolences. Mel Cutler
Mary Seferi
November 20, 2014
I did not know you, however, I so admire the life you had. God be with your family and friends until you meet again with our Heavenly Father.
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