George Ernest Muehleck, Jr., MD's Obituary
George Ernest Muehleck, Jr. has peacefully left us.
George was born in New York City, the son of George Ernest Muehleck, Sr. and Sarah Ann Fairley Muehleck. His formative years were largely spent in academic endeavors with summer respites enjoying fly fishing in the Catskill region of upstate New York. He graduated from Pomfret School high school, Pomfret, CT, in 1937 and later from Princeton University in 1941 at the age of 20 with a degree in Latin and Greek studies. George's scholarly dissertation evaluating the intended rhythm of ancient Greek and Latin poetry revealed his deep interest for language.
Nevertheless, being from a line of physicians dating to the mid to late 1800's, George entered the School of Medicine at Tulane University following college and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree in October of 1944. He served as an intern at Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City, where his father was a well-respected surgeon. Skills George learned during his internship served him and his country well during World War II in Italy, just behind the front line.
After an honorable discharge from the Army, he accepted the position of Resident Physician and Surgeon at Kanawha Valley Hospital in West Virginia where a student nurse captured his heart. He and Irma Jean Drumheller were married June 7, 1950. George, who had a fondness for travel and adventure, convinced his bride, once vows were exchanged, to travel across the country in a Hudson to begin their life together in distant Oregon.
George, once arriving in Oregon, entered a three-year residency in Internal Medicine at St. Vincent's Hospital in Portland. Upon completion of his studies at St. Vincent's, he traveled to St. Helens to join the practice of Dr. Tupker in 1953. Unfortunately, Dr. Tupker passed away soon thereafter, so George was very quickly faced with maintaining a solo medical practice while at the same time, caring for his growing family. He managed the challenges with grace, and always found time to perform the now nearly forgotten "house call". During many late nights, the sound of a starting car could be heard as George prepared to travel to the home of a patient to provide whatever comfort or assistance was needed.
Although George was a dedicated physician in every sense of the word and was admired by his patients, his greater interest may possibly have been language and history. His background in Latin enabled him to read easily many of the languages of Europe. As a hobby, he learned to read Russian, Arabic and Sanskrit.
Other avocations were chess, bridge, fly fishing and music. For years, George enjoyed playing numerous games of chess simultaneously with fellow enthusiasts throughout the world by sending and receiving moves through the postal service. One game was followed by a trip to Russia when it was within the sphere of the Soviet Union where he was able to visit with a one-time chess opponent whom he had befriended. Bridge with friends filled many Saturday evenings over the years. George was particularly fond of fly fishing throughout his life. Many family vacations were spent on the bank of a Northwest river, often the Metolius or Deschutes River in central Oregon, where George and Jean would fish until the dim light of late evening persuaded them to return to the campground. Several of his sons and grandchildren now share his passion for the sport. George's soft "touch" at the piano was unique, and his music always brought peace into the family home.
His many responsibilities and interests notwithstanding, including nine years of service as a board member of St. Helens School District #502 1967-1976, two years as Chairman 1971-1972, George was always available for his family. He set a high standard, and was always ready to encourage and help in any way he could.
George leaves behind his devoted, loving wife of 61 years, Jean, and sons, Stephen Laura Pihlaja and children, Christina and Fairley; John Donna Ross and children, Samuel and Daniel Lindsey; Charles Pam Netherda and children, Andrew Ashlee, and Jonathan, and Henry Jeanette Flynn and children, Anne and Amy. His parents and sister, Fairley Muehleck, preceded him from this world.
George lived his life with gentleness and integrity, setting an example worthy of emulation. He has the respect and love of his family.
There will be no public services. Interment will occur at Willamette National Cemetery at a later date.
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