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Albert Gerbie Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Albert Gerbie
Richard Bracker
September 21, 2008
I have a photo of my brother-in-law's high school fraternity, of which Al Gerbie also was a member.
If you would like to see the photo, please write/call me and I will send it to you.
Richard Bracker
Cumming GA
cindy Sharfman
September 20, 2008
Gail, so sorry to hear about your dad. I love you.
Cindy sharfman
Susie Frisch
August 25, 2008
To the Gerbie children: I remember vividly in the early 1950's growing up with barbara and al living across the hall from us: 1605 E. 50th ST. ( my parents apt)) pre-northfield days.. then we moved to northbrook, etc etc. i remember your mom babysitting me and to get me to sleep she would tickle me to the length of a song on the radio and we would sing "i'm forever blowing bubbles!" something i did in turn to my own child. I will never forget barbara & al, i loved your parents, i hadn't seen them in so many years. Your dad i saw the last time years ago in California, where we live now. They will always be in my heart and i always talked about them while growing up. My sympathies to you all.
The Frisch Family Ruth, Susan, Cindy & Paul
August 25, 2008
I can't believe it's over 55 years that, though we haven't seen one another often, we've kept in contact once in a while. Our deepest sympathies to the Gerbie family.
Bridget (Higgins) Wille
June 14, 2008
Dear Gerbie Family,
I hope that you remember me, it has been so many years. My father, Howard Higgins, considered your parents to be his best friends. Unfortunately, after his passing all contact was lost between your parents and my stepmother. I have only wonderful memories of your parents. Their kindness to me and my family during what turned out to be a very unfortunate time in my life.
Your parents were very special people and two of the most compassionate people I ever had the pleasure of knowing. I was so sorry to have lost contact with them if for no other reason than to express my deepest gratitude.
Richard Bracker
May 29, 2008
I found a photo of my brother-in-law's high school fraternity, of which Mr. Albert B. Gerbie also was a member.
If you would like me to send the photo to you, please send me your name and E-mail address.
Richard Bracker
Denyse (Tonkovic)Kerewich
March 9, 2008
I am shocked at this news that just arrived quite late and through a grapevine effect. We first met Al and Barbra in 1963 when I was a student nurse at Passavant Memorial and then went on to become an Operating Room nurse there. Dr. Al also delivered our two lovely children. And his beautiful wife Barbra who was such a loving and kind lady and cared so much about her family. I am so deeply saddened at this terrible loss of two very special people. They touched the hearts of many and will be deeply missed! To Gail, Ralph, Dr. Mel and all of the family,I pray for you to be comforted and soon your memories will have tears of happy rememberance of special times shared! Fondly, Denyse and Phil Kerewich
Linda Berris
December 2, 2007
It was with shock and deep sadness that I learned of Dr. and Mrs. Gerbie’s recent passing. I have many fond memories of the Gerbies. I grew up on Pill Hill next door to the Gerbie home, and recall fondly playing with Gail and Ralph in the playhouse Dr. Gerbie built in their yard. My brother Ken was especially close to them. He frequently babysat for the kids, and considered Dr. and Mrs. Gerbie like second parents, a friendship he maintained to the present day. Dr. Al and Barbara were kind, warm, and deeply compassionate people who made a difference in the lives of others. I’d like to express my deepest sympathies to Gail, Ralph, Dr. Mel, and the rest of the Gerbie family at the loss of these two remarkable people.
Richard Bracker
November 9, 2007
It's still hard to believe the passing of Barbara and Al. The last time I saw them was when I`lived in Chicago nearly 15 years ago.
My thoughts are with their family.
I would be extremely grateful to see some recent photos of Barbara and Al.
They could be sent to me online or to an address that I will provide.
Respectfully,
Richard Bracker (Alpharetta, GA)
Sonia Pinkus
November 5, 2007
DEAR FAMILY,
YOU KNOW I SHARE YOUR GRIEF.UNFORTUNATELY,MY PHYSICAL CONDITION PREVENTS ME FROM BEING WITH YOU.AL AND BARBARA WERE A WONDERFUL PART OF MY LIFE.AL AND I ADOPTED EACH OTHER AT MILLY AND BIG AL'S WEDDING.WE WERE BOTH "ONLY CHILDREN" AT THAT TIME.I WAS ALWAYS SO PROUD OF MY
'LITLE BROTHER"AND MELVIN.WE HAD A GREAT TIME WORKING TOGETHER AT THE WILLARD,ALSO.THOSE WERE THE DAYS.BARBARA WAS A BEAUTIFUL PERSON AND AL CERTAINLY MADE HER SUFFERING BEARABLY.GOD BLESS THEM BOTH.WITH LOVE AND GREAT MEMORIES.
Bill Reed
October 28, 2007
I was born 10 1/2 weeks premature in October 1973. My parents have maintained for 34 years there is no way I would have made it into this world without my mom's wonderful physician Dr. Al or his brother Mel, who were both in attendance at my delivery. One of the good doctors came dressed for the occasion in a tuxedo, having been called away from the opera. Thank you Dr. Al for all you did for me in the weeks I was small enough to sit in the palm of your hand.
With deepest sympathy,
Blair Magida Waddick
October 24, 2007
I met your wonderful parents when I worked in the office at The Park Claridge. I remember how happy your Mom was with the decorating and how lovely the condo looked. Your Mom and Dad were so sweet together they reminded me of my parents who were also high school sweethearts and completely devoted to each other.
About a year after the office closed, my Mother developed endometrial cancer and needed some help finding a new physician. I called your Dad at home and asked him to refer someone. Even though we had only met once, he remembered me and was very kind. He recommended someone who had treated your Mom successfully. He also asked me to keep him informed how Mom was doing.
Fortunately, her stage 1 was treated and she was cancer free for her last ten years. All that time, she would tell friends that, "Dr. Gerbie saved my life".
I am still profoundly sad having lost my parents in the same year, and I can only imagine the tremendous sadness you all must feel.
I hope you take comfort in the many wonderful stories about your parents and how they touched so many lives and made a difference.
May their memories be a blessing.
Judy Tauber Zager
October 23, 2007
I am very sorry for your loss. Dr. Al was a gentle man with a kind heart. Somewhere in your batch of photos is a picture of my mother with Al the day after I was born at Passavant Hospital. He was a resident and my mother was a patient of Dr. DeCosta--I was told that Dr. DeCosta was nowhere to be found on the date of my delivery in April, 1953. Even after years of office visits during my three pregnancies, Dr. Al would never deny or confirm that he was the one that delivered me! However, I did get a great smirk when I gave him the photo. The world is a better place because he touched the hearts and lives of so many people. May fond memories help you through this difficult time. It was an honor and priveledge to have known him. May he and your mother rest in peace.
Mary Dennany Plunkett
October 21, 2007
Dear Gerbie Family,
I was a classmate of your beautiful
mother and remember her as a statuesque, calmly young woman who was so in love with "Al". I grieve for
those whom Al and Barbara left, and pray for your healing.
Mary Dennany Plunkett
October 21, 2007
Dear Gerbie Family,
I was a classmate of your beautiful
mother and remember her as a statuesque, calmly young woman who was so in love with "Al". I grieve for
those whom Al and Barbara left, and pray for your healing.
Theresa,Elsie, Linda Anita and Alton Pate
October 19, 2007
We the Pate,Turner and cavanaugh family give our deepest sympathy to the gerbie family.
Marianne and Ed Hlava
October 18, 2007
Gail: Know that the Hlava's are thinking of you.
Bill Lustig
October 18, 2007
Dear Gerbie Family:
Your mother and father were close friends of mine. I missed them when they moved out of Northfield. The first time I met them 26 years ago I was removing a raccoon out of their Attic.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely;
Chief of Police
Natalie (Brzeczek) & Tim Bulman & Family
October 18, 2007
Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. My parents lost such dear and wonderful friends. Dr. and Mrs. Gerbie brought laughter and joy to those around them. I thank them for leaving my parents with such wonderful memories and for bringing my siblings and me into this world. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. May your memories bring you comfort.
Boyd Metzger
October 18, 2007
I am a member of the NU Department of Medicine/Endocrinology and a colleague of Al Gebie's for many years. He was a willing collaborator in research and a good friend. My wife Lois and I extend our warm support and sympathy in your time of loss of your parents.
Richard Bracker
October 18, 2007
Toledo OH is my hometown. In fact, I introduced Al to Barbara there and a love affair developed.
I knew both Barbara and Al Gerbie in Toledo and when I moved to the Chicago area.
It's a sad time when folks pass--my understanding is that they had a life full of love.
It was always tough to think about Barbara's misfortune in an automobile accident.
If possible, I would like very much to see recent photos of Barbara and Al together and/or separately.
The photos could be sent to me online or to an address that I will provide.
Best wishes to all who were touched by Barbara and Al.
Richard Bracker
October 18, 2007
Toledo OH is my hometown. In fact, I introduced Al to Barbara and a love affair developed.
I also knew both Barbara and Al Gerbie in Toledo and when I moved to the Chicago area.
It's a sad time when folks pass--my understanding is that they had a life full of love.
It was always tough to think about Barbara's misfortune in an automobile accident.
If possible, I would like very much to see recent photos of Barbara and Al together and/or separately.
The photos could be sent to me online or to an address that I will provide.
Best wishes to all who were touched by Barbara and Al.
Kelly Davern
October 17, 2007
Dear Dr. Gerbie,
My condolences to you, your family and colleagues on the loss of your dear brother and sister-in-law. I do remember your brother as a kind gentleman when I was at NMH.
Sincerely,
Kelly Davern
Debra Guinn
October 17, 2007
To the entire Gerbie family, we were so saddened to learn of Al and Barbara's deaths. Al was my mentor and hero. He not only convinced me to follow my heart into OB but to train at Northwestern. Both were the right choices. He has championed every move I have made in my personal and professional life. Through it all Barbara would get on the phone and give me her version of events. They were exceptional people who influenced the lives of many. I last spoke to them this summer. Al wanted to know why I hadn't written him my holiday letter this year. When I said I was busy, he said it was OK as long as I was having fun. I will dearly miss them. Please know they will always be remembered for their contribution to medicine, skating, and their love for family and friends.
JONI (SCHAUM) SMITH
October 17, 2007
My mom just phoned from florida (as I am not an avid reader of the obituaries yet) to say that she had heard that Dr Gerbie and his wife just passed away. My mother (whom Dr Gerbie saved from having a full hysterectomy at the age of 25) and my two sisters and I we're not only patients of Dr Gerbie's as we we're young woman but we also had the great fortune of skating with him at what once was Hubbard Woods. I have always remembered his infectious smile and warm demeanor. He had great stirrup manner! To his children and grandchildren and his brother and extended family.... you have lost a great man with a loving soul and I am sorry for you. I did not know Mrs Gerbie, but to be the partner of Dr Gerbie I know she must have been a wonderful woman!
Marilyn Lissner
October 17, 2007
Dear Ralph, Mel and Patty, I was so saddened to hear of your great loss of both Al and Barbara. As you may know, not only did Al deliver my three sons, now ages 41, 39 and 34, but he also delivered my nephews who are 51 and 48. And furthermore, Ralph Reis delivered me. That is what I call history. It is hard to believe that he is gone, but I know that your fond memories of him will sustain you during this time of loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Henry Nadler
October 17, 2007
Bonnie and I were shocked to learn of Al and Barbara's deaths today. As you know we had a special professional and personal relationship that I believe led to not only significant medical advances in health care, but dramatically changed our lives. It was a special day when I visited them a few months ago. We talked about the wonderful times we spent together. We will miss them.
Cabray Haines
October 17, 2007
I met Dr. Al on the ice when I made my first uncertain steps into the Chicagoland skating community a few years back. Lucky for me, Dr. Al (and his many friends and admirers at the rink) greeted me with warmth, energy, humility, and an impressive love for the sport, making it easy to come back often. I feel privileged to have been able to share the ice with such a charming, caring gentleman. My thoughts are with Al and Barbara and their friends and family.
Karen Nadler -Harty
October 17, 2007
My deepest sympathy to the family of Dr Al and Barb. My enitre family will have you in our hearts and thoughts. My father and Al together
made important strides in medicine.
his contributions will live on and on.
I am grateful to have known them both . You will both be missed.
Fondly,
Emmet Hirsch
October 17, 2007
Al was a great influence on our family. My parents, Bella and Dick Hirsch, delivered all four children with him and felt very close to Al and Barbara. He would often pretend to examine my head critically and note that the forceps marks had faded. He performed my circumcision, and according to an oft-told story in my family, proclaimed me to have 'the Cincinatti Twist' at the bris, which nearly caused my father to faint. My sister Ora and I were both medical students at Northwestern and thus were his students. I had the additional privilege of continuing my training with him as a resident at Prentice (where I also learned much from Mel and have been glad to get to know Patty). Later on (a few years ago) Al was instrumental in my appointment as an examiner for the American Board. I have a signed copy of his History of the Board and will treasure it always. I never met anyone that has not considered Al among the kindest, most generous and wise mentors they ever had, and I feel the same.
The world is better for Al and Barbara's influence on it.
Tony Bingham
October 17, 2007
Al was always there for people with his great sense of humor and his caring approach. No matter how busy he was - he always found time to connect in meaningful ways. Knowing Al was personally enriching - I'll miss him!
Helene Berlin
October 17, 2007
I was a long-time patient of Dr. Gerbie, and he delivered my first child (Mel did the honors for the second). He was a lovely person and a thorough physician.
Lisa Colaluca Wilson
October 17, 2007
Dear Gail, Ralph and Jody,
I was profoundly moved by the news of your parents passing. We were neighbors together in Northfield for many formative years. I have so many fond memories of your parents in those days. I thought Barb and Al Gerbie were the most beautiful couple on earth. She taught me how to make a mean pickle and your dad taught me the proper preparation for a spin on ice. How luck we all were to have known your family and shared in those wonderful times. The flag at the pool in heaven will always be up for the Gerbies. My prayers are with you. May you be comforted in your sorrow.
Lisa Colaluca Wilson
Harry Leeta
October 17, 2007
Dear Mel and Family, My memories of Al go back to grade school and Scott Hi. I have the fondest mmemories of him as one of the best and brightest and always that charming smile. Harry Nistel
Linda & Jerry Gubin
October 17, 2007
Our thoughts are with you and your family. We are very sorry for your loss.
Love,
Linda & Jerry Gubin
Kay Nelson [ABOG]
October 17, 2007
Dear Gerbie Family,
I was certainly stunned and saddened by the passing of Dr. and Mrs. Gerbie. Although I did not know Mrs. Gerbie, she must have been a wonderful person as was Dr. Gerbie. You are in my thoughts and prayers, take care.
Andrew Klein
October 17, 2007
Uncle Al, always a smile, always a kind word.....interested in every aspect of our lives. I was always taken by your relationship with your brother. The caring you both showed for each other.....The bond you shared...What I thought was special is what you called him..."Brother"...The Klein family of Boston, MA will miss you dearly, but we are comforted in the fact that we know how very fortunate we are to have had you as an Uncle and all of the great memories of the time we spent together....Thank you for being you.
Alice Martin
October 17, 2007
Al was kind and welcoming to me when I joined the NU Ob-Gyn Department in 1975. We collaborated on various aspects of prenatal diagnosis and genetics. He was always cooperative and cheery. His contributions to the field and to the department were unique and pioneering. My condolences to the family.
Suzanne Schmitt
October 17, 2007
To the Family of Al amd Barbara - My deepest sympathies to you all. We have lost a wonderful friend and supporter of our skating community. Al was also my former OB/GYN and my daughter had the pleasure of working for him prior to his retirement. His presence will certainly be missed.
Carol and Peter Goldman
October 17, 2007
We were so sorry to hear about Al and Barbara. Al delivered our first baby, Karen,in 1974 when Mel was on vacation(Mel was Carol's gyne for many years). We are so sorry for your loss and want to extend our deepest sympathy to your family.
Carole Dale
October 16, 2007
Being a "newbie" to the Skokie Valley ice dance community and Wendy's Lunch Bunch, I had just a brief time to enjoy Al's special charisma. I am richer for his friendship - and poorer for the loss of it so soon after getting to know him.
Dear Al, I am so saddened you did not have your chance to see Sun Valley again. Trust that those of us who visit there will take you with us in our hearts.
My deepest sympathy is extended to the whole Gerbie family.
Valerye Siegel
October 16, 2007
I have know Dr. Al as a patient since 1955. Dr. Reis was my original doctor, but Dr. Al had just joined the practice and was with me at every visit and for the deliveries of my four children. He was a very special, patient, kind and caring doctor and I could not have asked for a more wonderful person to entrust my life to. Just last year I was waiting to be seen by one of the doctors in the practice, there was a knock on the door and in walked Al. He said he saw my name on the patient list and just had to come in to say hello. That was so special to me and I will never forget him.
Marilyn Werner
October 16, 2007
I was sorry to read of the passing of Dr. Gerbie. He delivered all of my four Sons at Passavant Hospital. I can still remember in 1960, when Dr. Ralph Reis introduced the new doctor in the office. Over the years I saw him many times.
Jeffrey Cohen
October 16, 2007
Our thoughts are with the entire family at this time. We have many fond memories of "Little" Al and Barbara at family gatherings. Love to all, Cousin Jeffrey Cohen
Bobby Diamond
October 16, 2007
In loving memory of my dear friend and confidante thruout the 14 years I knew him at Centennial Park. His smile and wisdom will be with me for life...
Jane Steen
October 16, 2007
I knew Al as an ice dancer with a ready smile, a great sense of humor, and always a word or two of encouragement. Watching him working hard at his beloved sport right up until his chemo began was an inspiration. I'll miss you, Al, and my sympathy goes out to your family and the many friends who knew you for far longer than I did.
Shelle K. Kelz
October 16, 2007
I was stunned to hear the tragic news of the loss of Dr. Al, which had been preceded by the passing of his beloved Barbara only hours earlier. There are no words to adequately express my sympathy for the profound loss that you all must be feeling. Although I haven't been a patient in many years, not since I left the Chicagoland area, I will always remember how special this entire practice is! My sister-in-law, Kathy, has always spoken in such glowing terms about Dr. Al. The world has lost an incredible man and some of us have lost "our doctor." Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of sorrow.
IN MEMORIAM
October 16, 2007
kathy kanter
October 16, 2007
THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE BECAUSE DR. AL WAS HERE, AND I AM A BETTER PERSON FOR HAVING KNOWN HIM. I WILL MISS HIM, AS SO MANY OTHERS WILL AS WELL. WISHING HIS FAMILY AND LOVED ONES STRENGTH AND PEACE. YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
Terry and Jack Waite
October 16, 2007
For all of the wonderful memories, for all of the kindness and the teachings, for making us the people we have become, we will treasure always
Rhoda Burns
October 16, 2007
Thinking of all of you. They will always be remembered for the wonderful people that they were.
There will always be special memories. Love to all. Rhoda
Arlene & Jerry Russell
October 16, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Marci Shames-Yeakel
October 16, 2007
I adored Al. When I was a teenager, I'd baby-sit for Al & Barb on the South Side (I remember your Dachsund!), and when I had my first baby 31 years ago, and my husband & I were teaching at a private school in Northwest Indiana with no medical insurance, Al generously and wonderfully gave us his services without charging us a cent! A Caesarean birth in the brand new Prentiss Hospital - how lucky I was to have such excellent care! I'll always be grateful to him. I am so sorry to learn of both Al & Barbara's passing, and I was very touched by the lovely obituaries that your family provided.
Susan Wagner
October 16, 2007
I am one of the many babies Dr. Gerbie delivered who grew up and became a patient of his. He was a wonderful, kind, gentle doctor and person. May you find peace in this time of loss and hold on to the beautiful memories of his life.
Joan and Michael Weinberg
October 16, 2007
We are so sorry about this great loss, and have over 50 years of fond memories.
LANORA summers
October 16, 2007
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
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