NEHER, Lauren Mark

Lauren Mark Neher, M.D., passed away on December 29, 2003. He was born, July 10, 1915 in Chicago and was raised in North Manchester, Indiana. He was the youngest of 5 children of Levi M. Miller and Bertha Miller Neher. He married Katherine Smith in Chicago on March 21, 1937 and graduated from the University of Chicago Medical School in 1939. In 1941, they moved to Jerome, Idaho, where they raised their family of two sons and one daughter and he practiced as a family physician and surgeon for 38 years. His practice included orthopedics, general surgery and obstetrics. The favorite part of his medical practice was obstetrics - he delivered over 1500 babies, including his daughter and four of his grandchildren. During World War II, he served as Chief Medical Officer at the Minidoka Japanese Relocation Camp at Hunt, ID and was instrumental in helping set up medical services in other relocation camps. He had high regard and respect for the Japanese internees. During the Korean War, he joined the Idaho National Guard where he served for many years as the Regimental Surgeon. During the Vietnam War, he served 2 two-month tours as a volunteer physician to Vietnamese civilians. Regarding that service, a local paper described him as "A man among men...A modest man who is both a healer and a humanitarian, Jerome is very proud to have a man of such caliber as one of its citizens". He was Jerome County Coroner for over 20 years. He also served as president of the Jerome Rotary Club and as grand exalted ruler of the Jerome Elks Lodge. He and Katherine were athletic and particularly enjoyed golf and bowling. A highlight for them was when they were Men's and Women's Champions at Jerome Country Club in 1961. Lauren retired in 1979 and they moved to Sun Lakes, AZ. He continued bowling and they enjoyed golf, swimming, travel and many friends and family. Katherine died in 1992. He married Dorothy Van Kolken in 1994 and they continued the same active lifestyle in Sun Lakes. They had a wonderful relationship that greatly enhanced his remaining years. One of his greatest pleasures was being with his children and grandchildren. He had good health throughout his life until he suffered a stroke in March 2003. Although his last 10 months were difficult, his wonderful character and strong will were very much in evidence during that time. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, his sons Michael Neher of Caldwell ID, Galen Neher of Chandler AZ, daughter Norma Taylor of Bellingham WA, 8 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. His extended family included three stepsons and their children. Contributions may be sent in his name to the Chandler Presbyterian Church Building fund, 1500 West Germann Rd. Chandler, AZ 85248. -------------------------------- NEHER, Lauren Mark, 88, of Sun Lakes died Dec. 29, 2003, in Gilbert. Lakeshore Mortuary handled arrangements. (480) 838-5639. Published in the East Valley Tribune and the Arizona Republic on 1/6/2004.