Karen I. Malone
April 6, 2012 To the family of “Doc” Steiner, I have so many fond memories of “Doc” Steiner, and I felt fortunate to have had him as my family doctor beginning when I moved to Waupaca in 1972, until his retirement. My most significant memory of him goes back nearly 37 years. In 1975, my youngest child, Kaelynn, age 3, wasn’t feeling well; throwing up, etc. We all assumed it was the flu. After her nap on the morning of November 3rd, she turned over in her bed, looked at me, and said very clearly, “I want to go to the hospital.” After the initial shock of hearing those words coming from a 3-year-old, I immediately called “Doc’s” office and was told to bring her right in. By the time I bundled her up, got her in the car and drove the few miles to his office, she had already slipped into a coma. Thank God that “Doc”, after examining her, knew that whatever she had, it was serious and he arranged for us to take her to St. Michael’s hospital. After 4 hours there, it was determined that she had Reyes’ Syndrome and we went by ambulance to Madison’s Children’s hospital. She remained in a coma for 9 days, but came through it. I have always believed that if “Doc” hadn’t been so wise, and willing to admit that it was beyond the facilities in Waupaca, we would have lost her at that time. Sadly, she passed away on November 3, 2010 and, although she was far too young to die, I still feel “Doc” was responsible for the fact that I had her as long as I did. She, unfortunately, became an alcoholic and the fact that Reyes’ Syndrome affects the liver exacerbated that disease. I couldn’t save her from herself, but I had her 35 years longer than I would have, had “Doc” not been the man he was, and I will always be grateful to him (and now, his memory) for those “extra” years. My other daughter, Dena, was in the office as a little girl for a routine shot, for what I can’t even remember now; but “Doc’s” nurse was adamant that Dena should have the shot administered to the buttocks and Dena was just as adamant that she didn’t want the shot there; she wanted it in her arm. This was a child who never fussed much about anything, but she cried and cried that she wanted the shot in her arm. Well, “Doc’s” nurse wasn’t giving an inch, until “Doc” came in and asked what the problem was, and when he found out, he simply said – “Well, then give her the shot in her arm if that’s what she wants.” My daughter immediately stuck out her arm for the shot and all was right with the world again. My mother lived here in Waupaca with me for several years, and she, too, loved, respected and felt comfortable with “Doc” and was sorry when she left for my sister’s home in Utah that she wouldn’t be able to go to him anymore. The above is probably more than you wanted to read at a time like this, but it was so very important to me to share just a few of the many memories I have of an incredible man. I knew he was special, but until reading of his eclectic past, I never knew just how incredible he was. He was just my family doctor and, as sad as I was to hear of his passing, I can’t even begin to imagine what a tremendous loss this is for you, his family. The world was most definitely a better place with him in it; he touched so many lives and hearts – what a remarkable man! And now he is reunited with his beloved Lucile. Cherish your many memories of such a wonderful man – how blessed you are to have been his family! Karen I. Malone
N2442 Mary Street
Waupaca, WI 54981