Joseph Rudolph Stevens

Joseph Rudolf Stevens, M.D., 92, departed this world May 15, 2015, after enjoying an extremely fulfilling life. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, August 5, 1922, to the late Hans Joseph and Ilse Heloise, “Rudy” as he was known by all who loved him, had a wonderful childhood in an environment that many can only enjoy while on vacation. After a serious childhood injury and surgery, he developed an interest in serving others as a physician. He walked through his life in the light of Christianity as a devout Catholic who truly answered his calling to heal those that crossed his professional path. It was not uncommon for people to approach Rudy in a public place to express their heartfelt thanks for his healing work as a surgeon. Always humbled by this praise, Rudy   considered this a service to his faith. With the love of his life, Marion Hartwig Stevens, who left his side after 63 years of marriage, raised a large family, including four daughters, Chris Epstein (Howard), Claire McHugh (Patrick), Karen Hupp (Alan), Julie Walker (John); three sons, Joseph Stevens (Alison), Peter Stevens (Dawn) and James Stevens; twelve grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Grete, Bernadette and Heinz. Rudy came to the United States to attend St. Louis University and obtained his medical degree in 1950, followed by his internship and residency at Mercy Hospital in Toledo, Ohio where he served as Chief of Staff from 1971-73. He was in private practice of general surgery from 1957-90. He was also the plant physician at E.I. DuPont from 1964-93. He served as a staff physician in Occupational Health Services at St. Vincent Medical Center 1991-2004. He was awarded the Mercy Hospital Physician of the Year award in 1991 and recently inducted to the Emergency Medicine Wall of Honor at UTMC in 2014. Rudy was generous, devout, caring, skilled and humble. His nature was always gentlemanly, pleasant, and his greeting to all included a heartfelt smile. Some of his fondest memories with his family included time spent at his cottage, “Stevens Point” in southern Michigan where he spent many hours fishing. Medical Missions to the Dominican Republic with Marion and colleagues were rewarding times in his life. Numerous vacations to Jamaica with Marion and their close friends were also fond memories. A large laugh, a place at the head of the table, 9 innings of Tigers baseball, a well read newspaper, a “Life is Good” t-shirt, a fishing rod in hand, and family gathered for a great meal are the things that those who loved him will remember most. His time on earth was well spent, his time now in heaven well deserved. Although Rudy would disagree, few measure to the quality of man he was, and many will miss the man so well loved. Visitation will be from 2:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd.) where the Rosary will be recited at 7:45 p.m.  Services will begin in the funeral home with prayers at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, May 21, 2015, and proceed to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Sylvania, for 10:00 a.m. funeral Mass. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Northwest Ohio. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caring staff at both Sunset Village and Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their loving care of Dad.