Dr. Donald F. Loeffler

Donald Ferner Loeffler, 86, of Catawba Island, died peacefully at Stein Hospice Care Center surrounded by his family, early Tuesday afternoon, January 11, 2011. He was born at his parent's home, June 26, 1924 in Detroit, Michigan and was a 1942 graduate of Detroit MacKenzie High School. He attended Michigan State University before enlisting in the World War II effort with his brother Roland. Don served as a navigator in the Army Air Corp obtaining the rank of lieutenant. Upon his honorable discharge from the Air Corp he attended Wayne State University eventually receiving his undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Oberlin College. He attended and obtained his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University and began his medical practice as a general practioner in Oak Harbor, Ohio. Donald later returned to Case Western for a residency in radiology and radiation oncology. He began his radiology career at Mercy Hospital in Toledo and from there moved on to manage the radiology departments at Fostoria Hospital in Fostoria, Ohio, Magruder Hospital in Port Clinton, Ohio and Firelands Community Hospital in Sandusky, Ohio. In the later years of his medical career he specialized exclusively in radiation oncology at Firelands Community Hospital. During his medical career he served as Chief of Staff at both Magruder Hospital and Firelands Community Hospital. He was especially proud and honored to be able to mentor many young medical students through his clinical affiliations with The Medical College of Ohio, Case Western Reserve University and Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He was instrumental in founding the tumor boards of Firelands Community Hospital and Fisher-Titus Hospital which enhanced the collaborative medical care of cancer patients at those hospitals. He also served as the Medical Director of Ottawa County and as a team doctor for Port Clinton High School. Donald was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church where he served on the Vestry. He was a member of the Port Clinton Yacht Club and the Catawba Island Club. Donald carried the torch in the 1996 Olympic Relay as it made its way through Northwest Ohio handing it off to the now Toledo Mayor, Mike Bell. His favorite hobbies were spending time with his wife and family, traveling and muscle cars, in particular, his 1968 Ford Shelby GT 500 KR. Donald was married for 58 years to Joan Bowen on August 16, 1952. His wife Joan survives. He is also survived by three children, D. Bowen (Julie) Loeffler of Port Clinton, Ohio, Susan (Fritz) Hany of Oak Harbor, Ohio and Molly (Bob) Mack of Perrysburg, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Joan Hany, Elizabeth Hany, Robert Austin Mack, Perry Bowen Mack, Mary Shannon Mack, Julia Bowen Loeffler and Isabella Loeffler; sister, Audrey Baker of Erie, PA and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Roland Loeffler and Lillian (Roegge) Loeffler, older sister RaeAnnette Deibert (Phoenix, AZ and Northville, MI) and older brother Lieutenant Roland Loeffler (buried Margraten, Netherlands American Cemetery). A celebration of life will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 214 E. Second Street, Port Clinton, Ohio on Saturday, January 15, 2011. Friends may call at St. Thomas Guild Hall from 10:30 am until the Memorial Services begins at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Stein Hospice, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 214 E. Second Street, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452 or the charity of one's choice. Neidecker, LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home, Port Clinton is handling arrangements. Condolences may be shared online at www.neideckerleveckcrosser.com . Funeral Home: Neidecker-LeVeck & Crosser Funeral Home - Port Clinton Chapel 1124 Fulton Street Port Clinton, OH