Dr. Michael "Mike" Sehl

Other Events:

• Name: Jack Sehl
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-77506

Notes:

Lifetimes: Dr. Jack Sehl a gentleman respected by doctors and patients alike

"He took the job as chief of staff to help rebuild the hospital. He was a tremendous leader at St. Mary's."

by Valerie Hill Waterloo Region Record

WATERLOO - In a five-page narrative written in 2001, 73-year-old retired surgeon, Dr. Jack Sehl, wrote about what he hoped to be remembered for.

With such a long career as a gynecologist/obstetrician, chief of staff, lecturer, counsellor, leader and humanitarian, his list should have been book-sized but that wasn't Jack. He wrote that his greatest achievement had been the six, well adjusted and happy children he raised with his wife Mary.

Secondly, he was proud that as a couple they were generous benefactors to many organizations in Waterloo Region.

"We always felt it was necessary to share our good fortune," he wrote.

In an interview, Mary said "he was the greatest humanitarian ... but he didn't want anyone to know about it."

She recalls in 1974 when Jack volunteered at a hospital in Honduras with his Kitchener-Conestoga Rotary Club and on return to Canada, led a successful fundraiser to have a well dug for the hospital.

"He was an extremely humble guy," said son, Dr. Mike Sehl, who called his father an extraordinary fundraiser for causes, but one who refused to accept credit.

That kind heart also made Jack an exceptional medical doctor.

Chief of Hospitalist and Family Medicine for Grand River and St. Mary's, Dr. Brian Kelly, recalled his deep admiration for Jack.

"He was a model physician," said Brian. "He was always available. He was considerate, patient, you could call any time day or night.

"He was always interested in helping his patients."

Brian referred to Jack as one of those old fashioned gentlemen doctors, highly ethical and caring. "He was a standout," he said.

Jack was born April 8, 1928 in Waterloo, the youngest of three. Jack graduated from the University of Western Ontario medical school in 1954 then travelled to Mercy Hospital in Detroit for a specialization in obstetrics and gynecology. At the time, the U.S. was eagerly accepting medical students though Jack received more than just training.

There was a very pretty head nurse in orthopedics that his friend was telling him about. But she was engaged and Jack had someone back in Waterloo. Then fate brought them together. Jack needed help to put a Buck brace on a patient's leg and Mary Kreusel had to show him how. Thereafter, he nicknamed her "Buck."

She says at the time, she didn't really think there was a spark between them, at least not until she happened to look out her office window where she could see Jack in a nearby building, picking up the phone and suddenly her heart skipped. Was he calling her?

Turns out he wasn't, but it was a pivotal moment for Mary. She obviously had feelings for this guy so she broke off her engagement, which she had been considering anyway. The two married in April 1956.

In 1959, following Jack's four-year residency, the couple chose to settle in Jack's hometown. Mary gave up her nursing job and became a stay-at-home mom though when the children were older she helped in Jack's office.

During his first few months in Kitchener, Jack shared an office with an uncle, also a family doctor which meant you never really knew what to expect. After an incident involving lice, Jack made it clear he would only practice gynecology and obstetrics and the rest of his career was spent at St. Mary's and Grand River hospitals.

In his narrative, Jack spoke about how he helped establish prenatal classes, allowed fathers in the delivery room, created family-centred maternity care, fetal monitoring, laser gynecological surgery, along with other modern advancements.

He had served as chief of staff and president of medical staff so he knew the hospital well, an important skill after St. Mary's lost several departments which were moved to the general.

Brian said "He took the job as chief of staff to help rebuild the hospital. He was a tremendous leader at St. Mary's."

As chief, Jack focused on attracting surgeons to St. Mary's and improved how the operating room was run. He also helped establish short stay surgical wards, an outpatient surgical ward and same-day admission for surgeries which saved the hospital millions of dollars.

In his narrative, Jack wrote "this job was the most difficult that I ever attempted but was also the most rewarding."

Though he retired from practicing medicine in 1992, Jack had remained chief of staff for that extra year, ensuring the process he had started would continue. Even after retiring, however, Jack, already in his 80s, continued to assist in the operating room, at least until he had a small stroke. Mary put her foot down and he had to retire fully.

Brian remembers that level of dedication and said "I became chief because I admired how he did it. He generated a lot of physician trust."

Retired from medicine, yes, but not from working. Jack ramped up his volunteerism, joining the Catholic Counselling Centre board when they were fundraising for a new building, an initiative Jack headed up and for which he received a volunteer of the year award.

His faith was very important to Jack and in 2003 he receive a Papal Order, Knight Commander of St. Gregory the Great, followed in 2016 with a Chancellor John Sweeney Award for Catholic Leadership.

Daughter Anne Marie Hammer said "Our father taught us many important things in life but one of the areas that was most fun for him and us, was the variety of sports including how to swim, ride a bike, play tennis and hit the golf ball. I think the most treasured by all of us was how to ski."

In an eulogy, son Mike summarized his father with these thoughts: "Our dad was a selfless man. His greatest joy came from serving others. He was a dreamer and dared his children and grandchildren to do the same."

Jack died of heart failure Jan. 13, 2019.


vhill@therecord.com

Twitter: @HillRecord


vhill@therecord.com

Twitter: @HillRecord

Hill, V. (2019). Lifetimes: Dr. Jack Sehl a gentleman respected by doctors and patients alike. TheRecord.com. Retrieved 31 March 2019, from https://www.therecord.com/news-story/9248407-lifetimes-dr-jack-sehl-a-gentleman-respected-by-doctors-and-patients-alike/

__________________

Obituary of Dr. John "Jack" Sehl

Our beloved Jack died peacefully on Sunday, January 13, 2019 holding the hand of his supportive wife Mary Margaret (Kreusel), whom he was married to for 62 years.

Devoted father, mentor, and hero of Michael (Deb Jeffery), Fran (David Roth), Anne Marie (Jacob Hammer), John (Cynthia Voisin), Caroline (Wayne Philippi), and Lisa (Barry Hinschberger). He was a loving grandfather to his 16 grandchildren: Ben (Mackenzie), Jeff, John, and Emily Sehl; James and Julia Roth; Jacob and Michael Hammer; Olivia, Claudia, Anthony, Mary Ella, and Jack Sehl; Kristen, Andrea, and Lauren Philippi. He was predeceased by his parents John Martin and Anne (Henhoeffer) Sehl, his dear brother Ed (Betty) Sehl, and his precious sister Helen (Lou) Drago; all of Waterloo, Ontario.

Jack graduated from medical school at the University of Western Ontario in 1954 and completed his specialization in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Mercy Hospital in Detroit. During this time, he met the love of his life Mary, who was a nurse. They were married on April 7, 1956 and returned to Jack's hometown in 1959. He practiced at St. Mary's and Grand River Hospital for the remainder of his career. Jack was the Medical Chief of Staff of St. Mary's Hospital from 1990-93 and wherever he went, he encountered those that he had delivered throughout his dedicated vocation.
Jack and Mary cherished their family \emdash a household of six children immersed in a happy and active lifestyle. Jack shared his passion for tennis, golf, and skiing at Talisman with his children. He encouraged their participation in academics and believed in their success. As the family grew, he shared his enthusiasm with his children's spouses and his grandchildren. Jack was a faithful parishioner of St. Louis Catholic Church and raised his entire family with guidance from the Holy Spirit.

Beyond his complete involvement with his family, he was also very involved in his community and lead by example. He was a life-long member of the Kitchener-Conestoga Rotary Club and was President in 1975. As President of the Catholic Family Counselling Centre, he chaired the fundraising campaign to construct "the house that Jack built". He was also Chair of the District Health Council. For all of his contributions, Jack was bestowed the Papal Order, Knight Commander of St. Gregory the Great in 2003 and The Chancellor John R. Sweeney Award for Catholic Leadership at St. Jerome's University in 2016, where he was celebrated by his appreciative community.

Friends and relatives are invited to share their memories and love for Jack with his family at the Erb and Good Funeral Home, 171 King St. South, Waterloo on Friday, January 18th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. Prayer vigil will be at 8:45 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Jack's life of fulfillment and faith will be held on Saturday 10:00 a.m at St. Louis Church, 53 Allen St., East, Waterloo with Father Joseph de Viveiros. Everyone is invited to join the family in the Parish Hall for lunch and a time to visit. His final place of rest will be at Woodland Cemetery, Kitchener.

A sincere thanks to Dr. Sean Gartner, Dr. Claus Rinne, Dr. Donna Ward, and the Staff of Terrace on the Square. In honour of Jack, donations to St. Louis RC Church, The Carmel of St. Joseph, St. Mary's Hospital Foundation, or Carizon Family Services can be made at the funeral home, www.erbgood.com, or (519) 745-8445.

Dr John Jack Raymond Sehl 1928 2019, death notice, Canada. (2019). Canada Obituaries. Retrieved 31 March 2019, from https://necrocanada.com/obituaries-2019/01/dr-john-jackraymondsehl-1928-2019/

John married Mary "Buck" Kreusel [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Jack Sehl
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-45794
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Bookkeeper, Foundry
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Residence: 1920, Waterloo, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1922, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; book keeper
• Residence: 1929, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

John married Anne Regina "Annie" Henhoeffer 22 Nov 1922, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Anne (daughter of Anthony "Anton" Henhoeffer and Catharine Wendling) was born 25 Feb 1895, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 1990; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Anne Regina "Annie" Sehl
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-94948
• Residence: 1911, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Catholic
• Occupation: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Bookkeeper, Store
• Residence: 1921, 35 Scott St., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1921, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Occupation: 1922, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; book keeper

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/195253566
• Occupation: Blacksmith
• Residence: New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-45792
• Residence: 1861, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Blacksmith
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Residence: CA 1899, Waterloo, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1901, Waterloo, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Blacksmith
• Occupation: 1911, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Blacksmith, Shop
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Misfortune: 1929, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; killed in fall

Notes:

Death of Philip Sehl

Many New Hamburg friends were sorry to learn of the death of Mr. Philip Sehl which occurred at Waterloo on Wednesday morning. Mr. Sehl was on his way down town and accidentally slipped on the icy walk and suffered concussion of the brain which resulted in his death. The late Mr. Sehl was in his 73^rd year and was a native of Wilmot Township. He resided in New Hamburg for many years plying his trade as blacksmith in local manufacturing concerns and moved to Waterloo about thirty years ago. The deceased was a faithful member of the Roman Catholic Church and a kindly friend and neighbor. He leaves his sorrowing widow, who before her marriage was Miss Monaghan, besides three sons, Jack and Jerome, in Waterloo and Harold, of Port Maitland, and two brothers, Fred Sehl of Baden and George, of Kitchener. Although no definite arrangements have been made it is thought that the funeral will be held at Waterloo on Saturday morning at St. Louis Church and Mount Hope Cemetery.

New Hamburg Independent 8 Mar 1929

Philip married Mary Ann Monaghan 25 Sep 1893, New Hamburg, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Mary (daughter of John Monaghan and Helena "Ellen" McConnell) was born 15 May 1863, Haysville, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 22 Apr 1939, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Roman Catholic Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/195253579
• Name: Mary Ann Sehl
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-45793
• Residence: 1871, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Residence: 1891, Wilmot Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Residence: 1911, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic

Other Events:

• Name: Anton Henhöffer
• Residence: 1255-1291 Fischer-Hallman Rd., Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-94939
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; RC
• Occupation: 1873, Williamsburg (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; farmer
• Residence: 1873, Williamsburg (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic

Notes:

Residence:
The Henhoeffer house was built in 1887 by Abram D. Clemens for $4,000, and sold to Anthony Henhoeffer three years later.

The farmhouse is a two-storey building of buff brick, and is "a notable example of the Italianate architectural style, with an attractive and unique design," according to Parks. The house still retains many original elements, including bay windows and brick decoration, and the concrete platform once used to help people as they climbed in and out of carriages and wagons. There has been a barn on the property since at least 1854.

Heritage committee approves demolition of modern home on heritage property. (2016). Therecord.com. Retrieved 9 June 2016, from https://www.therecord.com/news-story/6711797-heritage-committee-approves-demolition-of-modern-home-on-heritage-property/

Anthony married Catharine Wendling 22 Apr 1873, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Catharine (daughter of Joseph Wendling and Magdalena Beingessner) was born 30 Nov 1850, Maryhill (New Germany) Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario; died 9 Apr 1910, Williamsburg (Kitchener), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Roman Catholic Cemetery, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Catharine Henhoeffer
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-94940
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Residence: 1873, Maryhill (New Germany) Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario
• Residence: 1873, Maryhill (New Germany) Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Roman Catholic