WALTER F. ABENDSCHEIN MD

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WALTER ABENDSCHEIN Obituary

ABENDSCHEIN WALTER F. ABENDSCHEIN, MD "Bud" Dr. Walter F. Abendschein MD, of Middleburg, Virginia, the former Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Washington's Sibley Hospital, passed away at 11:05 a.m. on Sunday, October 23, 2016. Known as "Bud" to many, he was the only son of Walter F. and Margaret L. Abendschein, born on June 16, 1937 in Washington, DC. He grew up in Arlington, Virginia and graduated from Gonzaga High School in Washington before graduating from Georgetown University and then its medical school. Dr. Abendschein was a member of the DC Air National Guard and was com-missioned as an officer in the Navy. He served during the Vietnam war and commanded casualty triage and air evacuation as well as supervising the building and commanding a Marine Corp field hospital. During his residency, Dr. Abendschein spe- cialized in orthopedics and total joint replacement. Over a 36-year career he performed over 4,000 joint replacements, including the first hip replacement in Washington and in Ecuador. He was a professor of orthopedics at Georgetown and Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Sibley Memorial Hospital. He published over 30 scientific works and developed three successful implant devices. Dr. Abendschein was a loving husband for over 50 years to his wife, Ana Maria, and a wonderful father to his two sons, Kurt and Karl. Though he was born and raised in the city, Dr. Abendschein also enjoyed the tranquility of the country in the Middleburg area, where he spent time with his hors-es and working in the garden. A true humanitarian, he would always put the needs of others before his own to help someone in need, as witnessed by many who felt in-spired and motivated by his words of wisdom. He was always happy to share his ex-perience, strength and hope. In recent years, he took up golf and spent time at Mill-wood Country Club in Boyce, where he regularly played and served as a past chair-man of its board of directors. Dr. Abendschein is survived by his wife, Ana Maria; and his son, Kurt. His son, Karl predeceased him in 2016. He is also survived by grandchildren, Philip and Theodora, Karl's children, and his daughter-in-law, Tatiana Abendschein, Karl's wife. His extended family also included Edelmira Carvajal, her son, Jorge, and his wife, Danielle. A graveside service for Dr. Abendschein will be held Saturday, November 5 at 11 a.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church Cemetery in Middleburg, VA. Following the service, there will be a reception at Millwood Country Club in Boyce, VA.A graveside service for Dr. Abendschein will be held Saturday, November 5 at 11 a.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church Cemetery in Middleburg, VA. Following the service, there will be a reception at Millwood Country Club in Boyce, VA.

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Published by The Washington Post on Oct. 30, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for WALTER ABENDSCHEIN

10 Entries

Richard Price

November 9, 2016

My condolences to the Abendschein family on your loss. Tatiana has spoken so highly of Dr. Abendschein and your family.

November 6, 2016

Bud was my hero. When I was being medvac to fairfax hospital, he called ahead to make sure they right doctors were there and they icu was ready.

All my love to his family and extended family in Middleburg.

David Bagley

November 6, 2016

25 years ago Dr. Abendschein performed a total replacement on my father's chronically bad left knee, which had already been replaced, but was very poorly done. We were referred to him by another top knee surgeon who felt Dr. Abendschein was the only surgeon in the area who could help him, and he did. He later did a partial replacement of the same knee to help him some more. He's 90 now and still getting around on it. I can still see Dr. 'Bud' flying up the stairwell steps at Sibley in his scrubs, two steps at a time, and in his mid-50s, always shunning the elevator. He was a great guy, and an even better surgeon.

Hector and Maria Laura Subiza

November 4, 2016

Dear Ana Maria and Family
We are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you.
Maria Laura, Hector, Maria and Dolores Subiza

November 3, 2016

Ana Maria,
My heart hurts for you and your family. Bud was such a special person and did so much for others. Sending my love to you and your family! Love, Julie Klick

Susan Miller

October 31, 2016

Doctor Abendschein was our hero. We called him Enoch because he truly walked with God. He was always looking for better ways to help people. Our family benefitted from his skill and determination more than anyone. Because of him we have all been able to live full lives.

We trusted him completely. If he said it, then it was so. No other doctor has ever come close to the standard he set.

Our mother was the first hip replacement in Washington, and a lot of other firsts for his practice. He was always finding creative solutions to the challenges our disease presented.

Because of Dr. Abendschein Mom lived a full life. She passed away in July, just a few months before her friend and advocate. I'm sure their reunion was a joyous one.

We all missed him after he retired, but no one more than Mom. She spoke of him often and we loved retelling our "Walter" stories. Like the time he had operated on my sister and called her room in the hospital from a room on a different floor where he was recovering from a fall from his horse. Or the way he would tease our Dad saying that they had to have a resident on stand by to make sure they didn't lose Dad during Mom's surgeries.

He was our whole families doctor and we were always impressed by how he changed his bedside manner depending on which of us he was treating. He knew who needed a hug and who needed a firm hand and he was always ready with either.

Our hearts ache for Ana Maria and Kurt. The loss of a husband and father is the worst kind of loss and we pray that God give you comfort as you adjust to the world without him.

A world without his laughter, which we loved to hear. A world without his compassion, for which we were ever grateful to have experienced first hand. A world without his brilliance, which we all benefitted from. And a world without that smile that could turn a rainy day into a bright sunshiny day. A world without that wonderful voice, ever calm and caring, freely sharing all that he knew to ensure that the doctors who followed him would benefit from his experiences.

We loved our hero, our Enoch who walked with God and now as in the scripture, God has taken him. Such a huge loss for us but the lights in heaven shine brighter and the heavens are lighter since his arrival. If they aren't he'll find a way to make it so.

Mary Woody

October 31, 2016

My condolences to the family. Doc was a fabulous orthopedic surgeon. I will miss him dearly.

Sonya

October 30, 2016

My condolences to the Abendschein family. Dr. "Bud" Abendschein will be missed by all the many lives that he touched throughout all of his lifes adventures and his practice. May you find hope in God's promise to wipe out death, sorrow and pain as you deal with your loss.

N. S.

October 30, 2016

October 30,2016

Sincere condolences Abendschein family. Almighty God knows the pain you are feeling and he will comfort and strengthen you as you mourn the loss of your loved one. Psalm 94:17-19

Chuck Akre

October 30, 2016

Bud's life was driven by his high personal standards, which were exemplified by his great professional accomplishments.
His next life beyond medical practice, was driven by his willingness to help all comers in the trials of their own lives.
He set a standard for all of us, and wasn't shy about commenting on those who fell short of his expectations.
We all loved him for this very trait, which was to be as honest and straight forward with us as he could be. Never however was it meant or expressed in a mean or judgmental way, rather it was just his observation.
We will miss him GREATLY!

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