Alvin L. Watne, MD's Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family of Alvin L. Watne announces his passing on July 31, 2011, at the age of 84. A native of Shabbona, Illinois, he has lived his past years in Marietta, Georgia. After serving with the United States Army during World War II, Alvin graduated from the University Of Illinois College Of Medicine, then specialized in surgical oncology for 40 years. He spent much of his career at West Virginia University, culminating as Professor and Chairman, Department of Surgery. He then continued his career at the University of Illinois at Peoria as Professor and Chairman, Department of Surgery. Upon his retirement, he continued his love of medicine as the Medical Director for the Cancer Center of GA at Georgia Baptist Medical Center. Retiring again, he worked with Dr. Robert Purdy providing medical care in Shabbona, IL. While he loved medicine, he loved teaching even more. He received numerous awards in his field, including a Fulbright Scholarship, American Cancer Society Eleanor Roosevelt International Cancer Fellowship for study in Japan, Excellence in Teaching award at West Virginia University, and Raymond B. Allen Instructorship Award at University of Illinois Peoria. He was also very active in his field holding numerous offices with: the Halsted Society, Southeaster Surgical Congress, Society of Surgical Oncology, the American Cancer Society (including President of the West Virginia chapter,) American College of Surgeons (including President of West Virginia chapter,) Society of Head and Neck Surgeons (including President,) and The Warren H. Cole Society (President,) among others. Alvin published hundreds of books and articles. In addition to his love of medicine and teaching, he loved spending time on his farm in Waterman, Illinois and longed to return. Alvin will be forever remembered by his wife of 45 years, Diana; his four children, Carrie and Robert Robinson of Smyrna, GA, Matthew Watne of Florida, Andrew and Patricia Watne of Chicago, IL, and Valerie and David Ferro; his six grandchildren, Nicholas, Drew, Dylan, Michael, AlvinLucas, and Samantha; and his dog, Belle. Big Al's sense of humor, intellect, selflessness, and bear hugs will be deeply missed by his family and friends. The family will receive friends at Shabbona United Church of Christ on Thursday from 5 – 7 PM and Friday from 4 – 8 PM. Funeral services will be on Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 11:00 AM at the Shabbona United Church of Christ. Interment will follow at Johnson’s Grove Cemetery in Waterman. Following the burial, luncheon will be served in the church basement. The Watne family would like to provide lodging information to those traveling to the services: Best Western, Sandwich, IL (approx. 24 mi. to Shabbona) 630-273-6000 OR Hampton Inn, Aurora, IL (~28 mi. to Shabbona) 630-907-2600 OR Holiday Inn, Aurora, IL (~28 mi. to Shabbona) 800-647-1538 OR Holiday Inn Express, Sycamore, IL (~21 mi. to Shabbona)(815) 748-7400.
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