John Newkirk, M.D.

GREEN VALLEY, Ariz. - John A. Newkirk, M.D., 93, of Green Valley, formerly of Iron Mountain, passed on March 30, 2008, in Tucson, Ariz. He was born Dec. 8, 1914, in Iron Mountain, son of the late Henry and Mary (Flanagan) Newkirk. John graduated from Norway High School in 1933 and from Marquette University in Milwaukee with a degree in medicine. John served in the U.S. Army during World War II from Oct. 30, 1942 to March 29, 1946, and was stationed in Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines. After four years overseas, he was honorably discharged with the rank of captain. He began his practice in Elgin, Ill., after a year of residency in Chicago and Columbia Hospital. He practiced in Elgin from 1947 through 1966. During that time, John served on the medical staff of Sherman and St. Joseph's hospitals, and he became very active in the Illinois Medical Political Action Committee. In 1966, he decided to move his practice to Iron Mountain. The medical community was in need of an internist and he accepted the position. This was a chance to move back to his boyhood community and give something back. Dr. John loved the outdoors and was enthusiastic in everything he did, especially his practice of medicine, and what better place to do that than in "God's Country." After leaving Iron Mountain, Dr. John practiced in Green Valley and Tubac, Ariz. before retiring in Green Valley. Dr. John's many active pursuits included a very active membership in Rotary International, the American Legion, the Elks Lodge, the Menominee Range Historical Society, the AMA, and term president for Dickinson County Hospital. He was responsible for the first cardiac care unit in the tri-county area. In his leisure time, he dearly loved his yearly trips to Mazatlan, Mexico and enjoyed them for 19 years. He was an avid reader and quotes from the great masters were his forte. He loved fishing, swimming, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, biking and telling limericks. Dr. John was an artist and had a passion for the fine arts. He lived a long and fulfilling life. Two of his most notable expressions were, "This will only take a minute," and "Anything worth doing, is worth doing well." He is survived by his wife, Linda; daughter, Catherine (Peter) Corcoran; son, John Jr. (Jane Khoury); two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and dog, Joey. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jeanne Cudlip and two brothers. Memorial services will be held at a later date and the times will be announced by the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home. Burial will be in Iron Mountain. Condolences to the family of Dr. John A. Newkirk may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

John Newkirk, M.D.

March 30, 1915 - March 30, 2008