Paul Wernick Obituary

Paul Wernick, 80, born in Minneapolis 9/9/43; died of colon cancer on 11/2/2023. Paul was preceded in death by parents, Sadie and Lou Wernick; in-laws, Miriam and Harold Frishberg; sisters-in-law, Nina Pink Wernick and Elizabeth Frishberg Joseph; brother-in-law, Richard Joseph. A 1968 graduate of the University of Minnesota Medical School, Paul went on to become a pediatrician. From 1971-1973 he served as a pediatrician in the United States Air Force at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs where he received the Air Force Commendation Medal. He moved back to the Twin Cities in 1974 and took a position as a pediatrician at St. Paul Ramsey Hospital (now Regions Hospital) where he developed a system that enabled parents to meet with the same pediatrician for each of their children's visits, thereby establishing an ongoing relationship. He joined doctors Mitch Einzig and Terry Hart at the Wayzata Children's Clinic in 1975. In 1984 he became the Medical Director for United Health Care and in 1990 he transitioned to health care consulting until his retirement in 2007. He served on the boards of Planned Parenthood, The Illusion Theater, and ChiroCare (now Fulcrum Health, Inc.). Shortly after his retirement, he opened a free pediatric clinic at Sabathani Community Center in South Minneapolis. He was enormously proud of that clinic and the way medicine could be practiced there with the full focus on each child. Several physicians whom Paul contacted for specialized or surgical medical services were only too happy to provide care to Paul's patients at no cost to the families. Paul was smart, funny, and kind. As a doctor, he will be remembered for his attentive listening and compassionate care. As an athlete, he will be remembered as an excellent golfer who, as late as age 79, would walk the course, carrying his own clubs. As a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend, he will be remembered for his depth of kindness, empathy, authenticity, sensitivity and humor. He is survived by wife of 48 years, Joan; daughter and son-in-law, Sara Wernick Schonwald and Ian Schonwald; grandchildren, Elia and Silas; brother, Bob Wernick and his partner Nan Shipp; brother and sister-in-law, Mark Wernick and Nancy Entwistle; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Neal and Barb Frank; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. Paul wants to express his deep gratitude to the family and friends who gathered and supported him in his final weeks. Memorials preferred to Minneapolis Children's Hospital; Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis; or donor's choice. Funeral service MONDAY, Nov. 6th, 2023 at 1:00pm, TEMPLE ISRAEL, 2323 Fremont Ave. S., Mpls. Also on zoom at: www.hodroffs.com/PaulWernick Shiva Monday and Tuesday 7:00pm, Temple Israel.