Dr. John S. Blackwood

Passed away unexpectedly on February 5, 2021 at the age of 82. Loving husband of Molly. Devoted dad of Jeff, Scott (Monica) and Ben. Adored grandpa of Ian, Maya and Ava. Dearest brother of Muriel “Sis” Blackwood. John will be greatly missed by other relatives and an endless number of friends.

John graduated from Bay View High School in 1956. He received his undergraduate degree from UW-Milwaukee before obtaining his MD from Marquette School of Medicine (now MCW) in 1964. John performed his internship at the L.A. County Hospital in Los Angeles. After his internship, John served in the United States Military while stationed in Japan during the Vietnam War, receiving the Commendation Medal for his meritorious service. John married the love of his life, Molly, in 1969 and began building their family together. John and Molly welcomed three sons into the world, all while John was carving out his name as a talented and extraordinarily dedicated surgeon.

John was a General and Vascular Surgeon for 48 years. He was a former Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He is the past President of the Elmbrook Memorial Hospital Medical Staff, Milwaukee Academy of Surgery, and the Waukesha County Medical Society. He was a former Secretary of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American College of Surgeons and Secretary/Treasurer of the Milwaukee Academy of Surgery. John also served as a Board Member of Covenant Healthcare for 10 years and PICC Wisconsin for 16 years. John was also a proud member of the Wisconsin Surgical Travel Club.

On top of John’s many professional accomplishments he was as equally devoted as a father. He could often be found rushing to and from work to catch any moment of his sons’ lives and activities. Among his passions were sailing, downhill skiing, snowmobiling, boating, waterskiing, golfing, handball, Wisconsin sports teams, and frequent trips to Eagle River. He was known for his sense of humor and was honest to a fault, caring and charismatic. John did not know the word “no” when it came to charitable donations. He gave generously to anyone in need and never turned down a chance to help. John was a proud member of Brookfield Congregational Church, sang in the church choir and had many friends there. John will be greatly missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.

A Celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date when it is safe for all to gather. In lieu of flowers, memorials in John’s name to the Elmbrook Hospital Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to his partners at Brookfield Surgical Associates; Dr. Bob Sewell, Dr. David Engstrand, Dr. Manny Chiang, Dr. Jim Burhop, Dr. Bobby Wu, Dr. Theresa Hayssen, Dr. Therese Kerwel and his neighbors; Andy and Monica Lukas.

As John liked to say, “Don’t save your hits until the ninth inning - you might get rained out.”

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