Peter Joseph McNamara MD

1928 - 2013

Peter Joseph McNamara MD obituary, 1928-2013, Mequon, WI

FUNERAL HOME

Schramka-Densow Funeral Home - Thiensville

423 North Main Street

Thiensville, Wisconsin

Peter McNamara Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 3, 2013.

Peter Joseph McNamara, M.D., after an 84 year life of accomplishment, caring, and adventure, peacefully passed away Monday, April 22, 2013. He was preceded in death by his parents Matthew and Mary (nee O'Malley), his beloved wife of 42 years, Dorothy (nee Gober) and his first born grandson, Peter Carver. He is survived by his adoring son, Peter McNamara Jr. of Madison, WI; loving daughters Karen McNamara Carver of Durango, CO and Beth McNamara of Port Washington, WI; sister Barbara O'Toole; grandchildren Colin and Claire Carver; as well as numerous relatives, associates, friends and patients. The doctor was born in New York City of Irish immigrant parents, graduated from Xavier Academy, Fordham University and New York Medical College. He completed his internship and residency at Kings County Hospital in New York City where he met his wife. He received post-graduate training in Gastroenterology from the Lahey Clinic in Boston, MA and moved to Milwaukee in 1958. The doctor developed a large private practice, being among the first interventional Gastroenterologists in the city. His career spanned dramatic changes in medicine and as a board certified internist; he treated patients at many Milwaukee hospitals, Aurora Advanced Healthcare Clinics, the VA Hospital, and the Medical College of Wisconsin. His professional service was with compassion, care and sage advice, which was recognized by his peers. He retired from medicine the age of 79, but remained an active member of the Milwaukee Gastroenterological Society and followed advances in medicine until his death. Outside of medicine, he enjoyed music and plays and was a life-long supporter of the performing arts. With Beth, he was a fixture at performances by the Florentine Opera, Milwaukee Symphony and Ballet, the Repertory Theater, Concordia University, Melody Top and various schools, temples and churches. He enjoyed exhibits and lectures on a wide variety of subjects. Peter was also longtime supporter of the Milwaukee Public, Art, and Discovery Museums, The Schlitz Audubon Center, Riveredge, and the State Historical Society. He was interested in astronomy and a member of the Milwaukee Astronomical Society. Young Peter was an avid sports car enthusiast racing Porsches, BMWs, and other exotics with Harold Zimdar. Throughout his life, he was active in outdoor sports. He was a ski devotee, long time member of Heiliger Huegel Ski Club, National Ski Patrol, coach for Special Olympics Winter Games, and he left the legacy of skiing children and grandchildren. Peter was active in river sports as a kayaker, champion canoeist, and as a member of the Milwaukee Rowing Club, a sculler. Starting in spring until fall, he was often on the Milwaukee River and introduced many friends into these sports. He was an avid dingy sailor and racer out of the Pike Lake Yacht Club. The doctor was a founding member and lifelong member of the Rite-Hite YMCA in Brown Deer, WI. Peter was an environmentalist leading by example, planting thousands of trees on his property, recycling and reusing, and commuting by bike from Mequon to work in downtown Milwaukee. Peter will be remembered by all those who he touch by his humility, humanity, and mentoring. He inspired personal integrity, life-long learning and, a "can-do" attitude. He led a great life and will be profoundly missed. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at his church, Lumen Christi Catholic Church, 2700 W. Mequon Rd, Mequon, WI 53092 on Saturday May 11 at 11:00 am. His family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday at the church from 10:00 am until the time of Mass. A reception will be held in the church hall immediately following the Mass, featuring his beloved Irish music. Private Entombment will be at Resurrection Cemetery in Mequon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Special Olympics Wisconsin, 2310 Crossroads Dr., Suite 1000, Madison, WI 53718.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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May 9, 2013

Vicki and Bill Ardern

Peter, Karen and Beth, our little neighborhood won't be the same without your Dad.  He was the first to welcome us here 23 years ago, and has been almost like a 2nd father to us. We grew up here, and had a family that has now also grown up and moved out on their own.  Through all of both of our family's changes, our relationships evolved and grew stronger over time.  
To say Peter will be missed is an understatement.  His enthusiasm for everything life has to offer, his kindness, his brilliance, his passion, even his eccentricities, were the very heart of our small community, and we will all miss your Dad more than you can imagine. 

When Dorothy died several years back, Bill, Colin, Ethan, and I were blessed to get to know Peter and Beth on a much more personal level.  Peter amazed us with his perseverance to learn everything he could, not just for he and Beth to survive, but to flourish, and yet again taught us a thing or two about life, love and happiness.  Our hearts go out to you as you struggle through this overwhelmingly difficult journey.

May 8, 2013

My deepest sympathy to Peter, Karen and Beth. It was a honor to have been his first G.I. assistant in the development of the Endoscopy technology.
So many memories of seeing his accomplishments in this field. He was a wonderful teacher and would never give up on finding the right treatments for his patients. I learned to walk fast from chasing him down the halls to keep up with his pace. Hearing the story how he would push his BMW down Wells and then jump in and jump start it to get back to the office.He loved to share stories about all his children and was so proud of thier accomplishments.As I went on to have my own children, he always made sure he stopped in to see me.He was a wonderful person and a true friend and will be missed. I know he will be teaching "the angel" team some type of extreme sport in heaven! Susie Morter

May 7, 2013

I was privilaged to work with Dr. McNamara at Froedtert Hospital. He was not only a wonderful doctor, but also a wonderful man and he will be missed. My deepest sympathy to his family.

May 6, 2013

Lee Price

Dr. McNamara was a true "gentle" man who cared deeply about his friends, family and patients. I admired him and will always remember him as a true friend with many happy memories .

May 6, 2013

Katie Pikus

My deepest sympathy to Peter, Karen, Beth and family. I had the honor of working side by side with "Dr. Mac" for a number of years before moving out east. He was a kind soul and a teacher. He was alway encouraging me and teaching me with every patient and every proceedure. He was one person that I can honestly say had his priorities straight. You never saw him without a canoe, kayak or bike on top of his car and always new his adventure was ongoing. He loved his family and was so proud of them with every card exchanged honoring them and their accomplishments. He will be sadly missed by many and remembered by all of us!

May 5, 2013

Peter invited me at the old Wisconsin club for a 2 hour lunch and therafter immediately offered me to join Cathedral Square Medical Group.I was privileged to be the junior partner in this small group of outstanding physicians who took care of a lot of old Milwaukee families.Peter was a wonderful clinican and was highly respected and adored by so many of his patients and his colleagues.He was always available and kind and gave individualised compassionate care.I learnt a lot from him professionally.He was a good mentor to watch, learn and follow.His widespread interests were also inspiring to me.Our Office Christmas parties were memorable as he would sing and dance with Beth and other office staff.My family and I will always treasure my association with Peter McNamara.He has enriched our lives enormously and will forever be grateful for his warmth, humanity, friendship and guidance. Kanak Shah ,Saryu Shah & family

May 5, 2013

Harriet Arnold

MY DEEPST SYMPATHY! Peter and Dorothy were neighbors
of my husband, Bob Arnold, and me for 25 years. Bob died in 1995 and I moved downtown in 1996. Peter was a kind and friendly neighbor. Dorothy and I went to meetings together, especially at Saint James. (now Lumen Christi).
Some of my fondest memories are as neighbors on Lake Shore Drive Sincerely, Harriet Arnold.

May 5, 2013

Karl Radzins

He will be sadley missed by all, he was an extraordinary man who was proud of his family and loved them with all his heart.

May 5, 2013

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