Journey’s end

Dr. John Flege, pioneer of heart surgery in Cincinnati, dies at 88 (1930-2018)

Enquirer.com website March 23, 2018. Dr. John Flege, a pioneering Cincinnati cardiac surgeon who brought the innovation of heart transplant to the University of Cincinnati and built the heart surgery program at the Christ Hospital to national renown, died Tuesday. He was 88.

“He was really a great man,” said Dr. Dean J. Kereiakes, who more than 30 years ago came to Christ Hospital to work with Flege. “If a lesser person had tried to establish an initiative cardiac surgery in Cincinnati, it would never have happened.” Kereiakes, now the medical director of Christ Hospital’s nationally known Heart and Vascular Center, said Dr. Flege was so dedicated to patients, “He would sleep in the hospital. In the early days of open-heart surgery, he was legendary, he would not leave. He would not leave his patients.”

Dr. Flege – rhymes with “leggy” – graduated from the University of Kentucky then earned his medical degree in 1954 at the UC College of Medicine. In 1992, at 63, The Willamstown, Kentucky native earned a law degree from UC’s College of Law and passed the bar exam the next year. A surgical residency at Ohio State University Hospital was interrupted by two years in the U.S. Air Force. He finished his residency at the then Cincinnati General Hospital (now UC Medical Center), then went to London to learn cardiothoracic and open-heart surgery at Hammersmith Hospital.

After four years on the faculty at the University of Iowa, Dr. Flege returned to Cincinnati in 1982 to join the UC College of Medicine faculty. He served as director of the division of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at the University of Cincinnati Hospital, now UC Medical Center, until 1987. He helped to start UC’s heart transplant program in 1985 and founded the cardiac surgery programs at Christ Hospital and St. Elizabeth Hospital. He was named professor emeritus at UC in 2015.

Allison Flege, his wife of 57 years, said Wednesday, “We didn’t have much time together in the early years, but we made up for it since his retirement in 2015.”

A statement from Dr. William Ball, dean of the UC College of Medicine, said Dr. Flege was “one of the earliest surgeons in North America to specialize in the discipline of modern cardiac surgery.”Dr. Flege, Ball’s statement said, “was somewhat of a ‘lone wolf’ going into uncharted territory and attempting to generalize this new therapy while under extreme pressure and with a great sense of duty to obtain excellent outcomes.”

“His track record in establishing this new surgery for coronary artery disease and training the next generation of heart surgeons was unsurpassed by anyone in the country,” the UC statement said. Kereiakas said Dr. Flege’s “iron will” was matched by his skill in the surgical arena. “And it really took that. It took the intelligence, it took the technical skill, and it took somebody who would not fail.”

In 2001, Dr. Flege endowed the Flege Chair in Cardiothoracic Surgery, which today is held by Dr. Sandra Starnes. Among his numerous awards are the first Distinguished Surgeon Award from the Cincinnati Surgical Society in 2004 and the 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Cincinnati Business Courier.

Dr. Flege is survived by his wife; daughters Hartley Flege and Elizabeth Burns; sons John Flege and William Flege; two grandsons Henry and John Burns; brothers Charles and David and a sister, Joyce. Services will be private, and a memorial will be scheduled later. Donations may be made to the Flege Chair in Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Cincinnati Foundation, P.O. Box 19970, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45219 or online at www.foundation.uc.edu.

Bruce Lynn Kells (1951-2016)

Linnemann Family Funeral Homes website 8/5/24. Bruce Lynn Kells departed this life on October 10 at 10 p.m. with his loving family by his side at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati. He was 65 years old. Bruce was born March 1, 1951 in Cincinnati and grew up on a Northern Kentucky tobacco farm. He earned his Master’s Degree in Geology from the University of Kentucky where he met his wife JoAnn Mattingly. He served honorably for three years in the U.S. Army.

For more than 30 years Bruce worked as a geologist, studying the natural world that captivated him so deeply. At 55 he earned his Law Degree from Salmon P. Chase Law School and became a member of the Kentucky Bar Association. He later served as supervisor of the Division of Abandoned Mine Lands in Frankfort. His interests included history, science, golf, UK sports, spending time with family, and having a deep hunger for knowledge in all aspects of life.

Bruce is preceded in death by parents Jeanette Blain and Floyd Kells. He is survived by his wife of 39 years JoAnn Mattingly-Kells, his two children, Morgan Lee Feldman (Eric), Mica Blain Kells, grandchildren Elijah Joseph and Ella Rett Feldman, and brother Barry Scott Kells, along with numerous relatives.

Visitation for Bruce is Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. and the funeral service is Friday at 11 a.m., both at Linnemann Funeral Home, 1940 Burlington Pike, Burlington, KY 41005. Please send donations in lieu of flowers to Cincinnati Area Senior Services, 2368 Victory Parkway #300, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206.

Mary Frances Flege Sehlhorst (1934-2016)

Kerr Brothers Funeral Home website 9/14/16. Mary Frances Flege Sehlhorst, 82, passed away on Wednesday, September 7th in Lexington, KY. She had been with family and friends. Mary Frances is survived by son Scott and his wife Melissa; sister Joyce Blake; three brothers John, Charles, David Flege. Visitation followed by services will be at Liberty Road Faith Fellowship on Saturday, September 10th at 10am. Memorial donations may be made in Mary Frances' name to Liberty Road Faith Fellowship (http://www.libertyroadfaithfellowship.org/).

Shirley Holzapfel Martin (1931-2016)

Bowling Green Daily News website Feb 25, 2016. Shirley Holzapfel Martin, of Bowling Green, died Feb. 23, 2016, at Hospice House. She was 84. She was born Dec. 29, 1931, in Chicago. She attended Louisville’s Atherton High School, University of Kentucky and Western Kentucky University. In 1952, she married the love of her life, Edward Charles Martin, and together they had four children, Charles Edward Louis Martin (Larisa) of Washington, D.C., Julia Martin Heinze (John) of Bowling Green, David Robert Martin (Tracy) of Syracuse, N.Y., and Jane Martin Buckley of Louisville (Tim).

Since her husband was a traveling salesman for Procter & Gamble/Sanitone, the family lived in various homes throughout the Southeast in the years following her marriage (1952-67). She and her husband decided to make Bowling Green their forever home in 1967. Mrs. Martin made a church home with Eastwood Baptist Church at that time and continued as a member for more than 40 years. In addition to raising her children, Mrs. Martin courageously championed feminism by managing the family business (Bowling Green Laundry & Cleaners) from 1967 to 1970, while her husband served his country in the Kentucky Air National Guard during the Cold War’s Pueblo Incident. Mrs. Martin also earned her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy in 1984 and served her community through many years as a therapist for the Barren River Mental Health/Mental Retardation Board in the Bowling Green office, and in Franklin. She retired in 1996 and continued being active in duplicate bridge (she was an American Contract Bridge League – ACBL – Life Master), gardening (past president of the Bowling Green Garden Club), genealogical and historical independent studies and biblical studies. She and her husband were particularly proud of founding the Bowling Green Duplicate Bridge Club that is still in existence (Thursday at Bowling Green Community Center) and under the direction of Ms. Jean Button. Shirley served loyally in many capacities at Eastwood Baptist Church and was an active member of both the Bowling Green Garden Club and the Bowling Green chapter of the Retired Officers Wives Club (many years as its treasurer).

A unique soul, Shirley was very proud, Germanic and enjoyed keeping her home and bragging about her beloved grandchildren to her friends at Bowling Green Retirement Village. She will be missed by her many friends and family. Shirley is survived by all her children and grandchildren, Jonathon Heinze (U.S. Air Force serving in Hartford, Conn.), Kathryn Jane Martin (Denver, Colo.), Julian Heinze (Gulf Shores, Ala.), Jordan Heinze, Jeffrey Heinze and Jackson Heinze (all of Bowling Green); her stepgrandchildren, Rhiannon Randall (Syracuse, N.Y.) and Roxanne Randall (Brooklyn, N.Y.); her sister, Betty Holzapfel Smith of Louisville; and her brother, Robert Holzapfel of Bowling Green. She was predeceased by her husband, Edward, in 2010, and her mother and father, Gladys and Louis Holzapfel (also of Bowling Green).

A celebration of Shirley Holzapfel Martin’s life was held at the Eloise B. Houchens Center. Arrangements are entrusted to J.C. Kirby & Son, Lovers Lane chapel. Memorial donations may be made in Shirley’s name to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of Southern Kentucky.

William F. Threlkeld (1925-2015)

Elliston-Stanley website 10/27/15. William Ford Threlkeld, of Williamstown, was born in Keefer, Kentucky in Grant County on November 7, 1925 and passed away at the Grant Center in Williamstown, Kentucky on October 23, 2015 at the age of 89.  He was the son of the late Milton Harrington and Josephine Evans Crawford Threlkeld.

On September 21, 1947, Bill, as he was known, was united in marriage with Helen Ruth Flege who preceded him in death on October 2, 2014.  From this union three sons were born: Dr. William Ford Threlkeld (Clarice) of Williamstown, John Brent Threlkeld (Kim) of Williamstown and Charles David Threlkeld (Pamela) of Williamstown.  In addition to his loving sons, Mr. Threlkeld is survived by 7 grandchildren.  Two brothers and two sisters also preceded him in death: Nancy Finnell, Betty Jo Snow, John Threlkeld and Jim Threlkeld.

Mr. Threlkeld was best known as an attorney serving the residents of Williamstown and Grant County.  He was an Elder of the Williamstown Christian Church and active throughout his community, serving as Fire Chief for the Williamstown Volunteer Fire Department, City Attorney for the City of Williamstown, Director of the Bank of Williamstown and Eagle Bank, member of the Lions Club and Grant Lodge #85 F. & A. M.  A veteran of the United States Navy serving during World War II and for many years following in the Naval Reserves, he was a graduate of Mason High School, and Middlebury College for Women.  He also attended College of the Holy Cross.

Masonic services and funeral services will be held at the Williamstown Christian Church, 318 N. Main St., Williamstown, KY beginning at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, October 27, 2015.  Visitation will also be at the church from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM.  Burial will follow in the Williamstown Cemetery.  Elliston - Stanley Funeral Home, 500 N. Main St., Williamstown, KY is in charge of the arrangements.  Memorials are suggested to the Williamstown Christian Church, the Grant 85 Fellowcraft Club Backpack Program or the St. Elizabeth Hospice.

Helen Ruth Flege Threlkeld (1925-2014)

Stanley Funeral Homes website 10/3/14. Helen Ruth Threlkeld was born on November 16, 1925, the daughter of John Blain Flege and Frances See Flege.  She served as mascot for the Pikeville basketball team at the age of 4 and was active in all school activities.  She graduated from Mason High School in Grant County in 1943 and taught school at Mt. Zion for a short time.  Helen was actively involved as a secretary for her husband, Bill Threlkeld in his law practice for many years.  She served on the Williamstown City Counsel where she persuaded the Mayor and the members of the City Counsel to dedicate the former Williamstown Elementary School as a permanent site for the Grant County Branch of the Northern Kentucky University.  Helen was a member of the Eastern Star and the Order of the Kentucky Colonels.  She was an active member of the Williamstown Christian Church for many years.

 Helen Ruth Threlkeld is survived by her husband, William F. Threlkeld, three sons: Dr. William Ford Threlkeld (Clarice), John Brent Threlkeld (Kimberly) and Charles David Threlkeld (Pamela) and seven grandchildren.  Helen is also survived by her three brothers: Dr. John B. Flege, Jr. (Alison), Charles Flege (Betty Sue) and Robert David Flege (Beverly) and two sisters: Mary Frances Sehlhorst and Joyce Blake (Bruce).  Helen Ruth loved God, her family and her fellow servants of God. Memorial Services will be 4:00 PM, Sunday, October 5, 2014 at the Williamstown Christian Church, 318 N. Main St., Williamstown, KY 41097.  Friends may call at the church from 2:00 - 4:00 PM, Sunday. Should anyone desire to provide a memorial for her, the family suggests Hospice Care of St. Elizabeth, who lovingly cared for her in her home for so many months or the church of their choice.

Robert Andrew Behrmann (1921-2014)

Born in Marmouth North Dakota to Andrew Jensen Behrmann and Edna Mae Borresen.  Lived in South Dakota until moving to Omaha Nebraska.  Graduated from Iowa State University in Ames with a BS in Chemistry and worked for Shell Development Corporation in California. He joined the Naval Air Transport Service as a navigator on the Pan Am Clippers from 1944 to the end of the war. He was stationed in California and Florida and traveled all over the world. Post WWII he was a graduate student in chemistry at Purdue then received his MBA from Harvard University.  In 1948 he joined Emery Industries and worked there until 1983, retiring as Vice President for Administration. In 1946 he married Eleanor Mitts, PhD and has two children, Mike (June Kessler) and Ann (Lewis Koch), three grandsons, Jonathan (Becky Fowler), Zachary, and Lars and two great grandchildren, Gabriel and Kassia.  Before and after retirement he and Mittsy traveled extensively across the US and worldwide, visiting 80 countries. He was also a long time member of the Anderson Hills United Methodist Church and was a community volunteer.  Contributions in his memory can be made to the Peasley Center in Cincinnati Ohio or a charity of choice.

Martha Jane Martin Daugherty (1928-2014)

Stith Funeral Home website 4/28/14 (edited).  Martha Jane Martin Daugherty, 85, of Florence, passed away Saturday, April 26, 2014. She was a member of Florence United Methodist Church, an art teacher with the Boone County School System, a member of Florence Elks, Eastern Star, Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, Mensa, Florence Women’s Club, Florence Garden Club, League of Women Voters, Kentucky Art Education Association, Cincinnati Woman's Art Club (of which she was a member and an officer) and Church Women United. She is preceded in death by her father, Edward Hillary Martin; mother, Anna Katherine Flege Martin; brother, Edward Charles Martin and daughter-in-law, Denise I. Daugherty. She is survived by her children, Joseph Franklin Daugherty III, M.D. (Carol Bethel), Mary Katherine Daugherty (David Obradovich), James M. Daugherty and Sara Ferguson (Stuart); grandchildren, Anna Kirshner (John), Mary Daugherty and Joseph Franklin Daugherty IV; Kimberly I. Wolfe (Chris) and Heather D. Reisinger (Robert); Ian Ferguson and Molly Ashley (Terry); and great grandchildren, Evelyn and Eleanor Krischner; William Salvasen; Colin Wolfe; Miles and Malana Reisinger; and Makala Ashley.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 29 from 4-7 PM at Stith Funeral Homes, Florence. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 30 at 10:30 AM at Florence United Methodist Church 8585 Old Toll Road Florence, KY. Burial will be in Corinth IOOF Cemetery, Corinth, KY. Memorial contributions can be made to charity of donor’s choice.

Denise Irene Dare Daugherty (1951-2014)

Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Homes website 1/20/14. Denise Irene Dare Daugherty, of Florence, passed away Saturday, January 18th, 2014. She is survived by her husband, James M. Daugherty; her daughters, Kimberly I. Myers (Chris) Wolfe, whose son is Colin, and Heather D. Myers (Robert) Reisinger, whose children are Miles and Malana; and her sisters Pamela Phelps, Gail (Mike) Brown, and Lisa (Greg) Wilkins. Visitation services are Friday, January 24, 2014 from 5 to 8 pm and Saturday, January 25, 2014, from 11:30 am to 2 pm. Funeral services begin Saturday at 2 pm. All services are at Chambers & Grubbs Funeral Home, 11382 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051. Suggested memorials are Matthew 25 Ministries, 11060 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242 or Florence United Methodist Church, 8585 Old Toll Road, Florence, KY 41042.

Donald Blain Mitts (1916-2013)

Lexington Herald-Leader website 6/15/13. Donald Blain Mitts, 97, retired farmer, widower of Jessie Mitts, passed away on June 11. He is survived by sisters Eleanor Behrmann (Robert) and Mary Louis Evans, and two special cousins, Mary Jordan Morris and Charles Flege. Surviving children are Janice Thomas (Cecil), Dr. Donald Mitts (Elizabeth), Rosemary Culbertson (Fred), and Robert Mitts (Kathy). Grandchildren include Julie Greer, Tina Bordonaro, Heather Feeley, Carlton Sugarman, Brian Mitts, Grayson Sugarman, Megan Mitts, Logan Culbertson, Bret Culbertson, Krista Boomsma, Kyle Mitts, and Kevin Mitts. Great-grand-children include Jessica Greer, Max Greer, Griffin Greer, Sam Greer, Christopher Bordonaro, Jack Bordonaro, Lucy Culbertson, Zoe Culbertson, and Brody Boomsma. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Hospice of the Bluegrass, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of one's choice.

Bruce Harold Blake (1941-2012)

Kerr Brothers Funeral Home website 9/8/12. Bruce Harold Blake, age 71, born September 4, 1941 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Harold and Ellen Blake, passed away on Thursday, September 6, 2012 at the UK Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky of cardiac arrest several weeks after a pacemaker replacement. Bruce was the beloved husband of Joyce Flege Blake, father of Brian David Blake, Jeremy Wood and Stephen Wood, grandfather of Jameson Blake, brother of Marilyn Jacobik, and uncle to many nieces and nephews. Prior to his retirement, Bruce was a successful business entrepreneur having founded Lexington Safety Products. Visitation will take place from 10-11 am with memorial services to follow from 11 am-Noon on Monday, September 10, at the Kerr Brothers Funeral Home located at 3421 Harrodsburg Road, Lexington, KY 40513.  A graveside service and burial will take place at the Williamstown Cemetery in Williamstown, Kentucky at 1:30 pm.

Deborah Kay Lucas Blaine (1953-2010)

Kentucky Enquirer website 12/26/10. Deborah Kay Lucas Blaine, age 57 of Fort Thomas, died Saturday, December 11, 2010, at Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Newport. She was a waitress and hostess at The Colony Restaurant in Cincinnati, and loving and devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. She is survived by her husband, Charles (Chuck) Gordon Blaine, two sons, Charles Lucas Blaine and James Clay Blaine, both of Fort Thomas, a sister, Beverly (John) Frannae of Galveston, Texas, two brothers, Bobby (Anna) Lucas of Shelby, North Carolina, and Michael (Donna) Lucas of Lee, Florida, 11 nieces and seven nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Armn Eugene and Roberta Culbertson Lucas, and a sister, Gina Lucas.

Edward Charles Martin (1930-2010)

Bowling Green Daily News website 10/27/10. Edward C. Martin, age 80, of Bowling Green, died Monday, October 25, 2010, at the Hospice Center, Bowling Green. The Ludlow native was born August 4, 1930. He was owner of Bowling Green Laundry & Cleaners and Bowling Green Linen Supply Co. Inc. He was a retired lieutenant colonel of the Kentucky Air National Guard after 23 years of service and a retired member of the Military Officers Association. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Railroad Museum in Bowling Green.