John Harvey Barsch

John Harvey Barsch, M.D. passed away on Fri. Nov. 14, 2008. He was born Jan. 20, 1935 in Oshkosh, Wis. to E. C. and Lucille (Tynan) Barsch. He was an avid skier and golfer and loved to tinker around the house restoring furniture and doing light gardening and cooking. He was a long time playing member at Nakoma and Kiawah Island South Carolina Golf Clubs. He was very proud of the two hole in ones he had at Nakoma and Bemidji golf courses. He was an incredible history buff and would have become a history teacher if he hadn't become a physician. Many nights he could be found playing gin rummy or backgammon and occasionally doing the victory dance or singing his alma mater in victory. He also loved to read whether it was about history, politics or just a good mystery book. John graduated from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw MI and went on to Albion College in Albion MI where he received his BA in 1957. He completed a rotating internship at Bon Secours Hospital in Grosse Point MI, 1960 -- 1961. He obtained his Medical Degree at Wayne State University Medical School, Detroit, MI in 1962. He served as a Captain in the US Air Force during the Berlin Crisis and Cuban Missile Crisis at the Yakota Airbase from 1962 to 1963. He completed his General Surgery Residence at Wayne State in 1964. His residency and fellowship in Anesthesia and Critical Care was at Massachusetts General Hospital from Oct. 1965 to April 1966. He was an Associate Professor at Northwestern University from 1966 to 1969. John was an Anesthesiologist at Methodist and Meriter Hospitals from 1969 to 1997 and was Board Certified with the American Board Association. He worked as a Locum Tenens Anesthesiologist from 1998 to 2007. He loved being in the operation room and witnessing the miracles of medicine, it was more than a job to him it was his life. John was united in marriage to Margaret Freeman on Dec. 10, 1977. He is survived by his wife, Margaret and his five children, Leslie (Freeman) Folds (Rick) of Charleston SC, Michele (Freeman) Ring (Brian) of Oregon, WI, Jeffrey Freeman of Avon, CO, John Heath (Jodi) Barsch of Belleview, ID, Anne (Barsch) Martens (Kane) of Fergus Falls, MN and six grandchildren, Geoffrey and Alexandra Ring, Andrew and Hagan Barsch and Laney and Reagan Martens. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Henry J. Barsch, M. D. In lieu of flowers we ask that you make a contribution to HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy. Madison, WI 53711. There will be a Memorial mass held on Wed. Nov 19, 2008 at 11:00 a. m. at St. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison with Msgr. Donn Heiar presiding. There will be a visitation for family and friends on Tues. Nov. 18 2008 from 5:00 until 7:00 p. m. at Cress Funeral Home, 6021 University Ave. and also on Wed. from 10:00 a. m. until the time of service at the church. A special thanks to the staff at HospiceCare and Dr. Huie for their compassionate care.