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Paul Wetzig Obituary

Paul C. Wetzig, M.D., born in Pueblo, Colorado March 29, 1922, departed this life on January 9, 2006, at home in the company of his loving family. He was the son of Carl Kurt and Ruth (Sieber) Wetzig. Paul is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Doreen Brugger Wetzig; sons, Carl Kurt Wetzig (Carol), and Richard Paul Wetzig of Colorado Springs; daughters, Dorrie Wetzig Brand (Skip) of Elmira, New York and Laura Wetzig Hitch (Michael) of Colorado Springs; grandchildren, John Hudson Brand, Laura Arnot Brand, Christopher Kurt Headley Wetzig, Catherine Ruth Wetzig, Casey Elizabeth Wetzig, Natalie Wetzig, Yvonne Wetzig, Daniel Paul Hitch, and Devin Michael Hitch; sister, Betty Stratford, M.D. of Seattle, Washington, nephew, Jeff Stratford (Linda) of North Carolina, and niece, Robin Dalton of Washington. Paul graduated from Pueblo Central High School, The University of Denver, and The University of Colorado Medical School. While in the Public Health Service, he interned at the Marine Hospital on Staten Island, New York, where he met his future wife, Doreen. Paul did his residency in ophthalmology under chairman John McLean, M.D., at Cornell University, New York Hospital, in New York City. Paul began his practice of ophthalmology in Colorado Springs in 1953. In 1958 he established The Colorado Springs Eye Clinic where he practiced until retiring in 2004. Paul was widely recognized for his pioneering work in ophthalmology. Chief among this was his work in photocoagulation for diabetic retinopathy. His lifelong passion for learning included his visit to Essen, Germany, in 1959, where he, along with several prominent international ophthalmologists, studied with Professor Gerd Meyer-Schwickerath. This was the beginning of a close, life long friendship with Meyer-Schwickerath. The Professor had developed the Xenon Arc Photocoagulator. Paul envisioned and implemented the use of this device to treat a previously untreatable blinding eye condition associated with diabetes. Paul was fortunate enough to acquire one of these rare machines which he brought to his clinic. Over the years innumerable diabetics benefited from his innovative development of this form of treatment. Because of the positive outcomes of this procedure, Paul was invited to lecture around the world. Also, based on his achievements, he was elected to numerous prestigious societies in ophthalmology. These included The American Ophthalmological Society, The Retina Society, and The Jules Gonin Society. He was especially proud of being awarded the John McLean medal for his pioneering contributions to diseases of the retina, of being an honorable member of The Gonin Society, and having been an honored guest as an ophthalmologist in private practice, at The American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting in Chicago, Illinois, in 1980. Paul lived life with a passion. Whether it was playing squash, tennis or golf, hiking and backpacking or traveling the world, his enthusiastic grin was ever present. These active pursuits were balanced by his love of reading, classical music and opera. His natural ability to capture the world he loved through the lens of a camera is well documented by his pictures of the outdoors he so loved, his travels, his friends, his family and his work. Paul's passion and support for his family was paramount in his life. A great legacy that Paul will leave behind is the easy and unassuming way he influenced people from all walks of life; his patients, colleagues, friends, and family. He will be sorely missed. What a fantastic journey! A Memorial Service will be held January 21, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. at Gold Camp Elementary School, 1805 Preserve Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80906 (off of Cresta Road, just north of Cheyenne Mountain High School). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the: Central High School Foundation, Attention: Paul C. Wetzig, M.D. Scholarship Fund, 216 East Orman Avenue, Pueblo, Colorado, 81004, or to a charity of one's choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Jan. 15, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Wetzig

Not sure what to say?





Linda (Lapp ) Meyer

February 18, 2006

Mrs. Wetzig. Laura, Mike and Wetzig family,



I remember your Husband and Dad best from Laura and Mike's wedding. He made us feel so welcome in Colorado Springs and we had such a wonderful time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

February 14, 2006

Happy Valentine's Day, Papa. We love you !!

Joyce (Borough) Puttkammer

February 5, 2006

Dear Family,

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Paul. I was one of his first patients as he began his practice in Colorado Springs. I was only 3 years old. Dr. Paul preformed several surgeries on my eye. I was born with Glaucoma and, in recent years, learned that was because of a condition called Sturge-Weber Syndrome. About 12 years ago I finally lost my eye and the surgeon who preformed the enucleation asked who my Opthomologist was over the years as he said he had done an outstanding job of giving me superior eye care. Most eyes diseased as mine would never have lasted so long without great knowledge of the care needed.

I remember when I was in grade school, giving a report on the history of eye glasses and Dr. Paul loaned me a pair of antique "spectales"! He was alway such a gentle, caring and concerned doctor and I would stop in to say "hi" many times after I moved from Colorado Springs. Dr. Paul always had time to chat and encourage me. May his legacy be of comfort to you at this time.

Polly & Bill Wells

February 2, 2006

Dee, Carl & Richard:



We were so sorry to just hear of Paul's passing. We are spending the winter in Florida and just got the news.



We have known you for so many years, Dee, and have been patients of Paul, Carl & Richard.



He will be missed.



Our thoughts are with you at this time.

The Henry and Symmes Families

January 31, 2006

We are so sorry for your loss. Dr. Paul was an amazing man and a good friend. He will be missed by all. Our sympathies are with all of you.



Newlands, Lanier, Gary, Derek Henry and Marjie Symmes and Family

Joe Casey

January 26, 2006

I will always treasure the time I spent with Dr. Paul. I was out of town at the time of his passing and missed the Memorial service. He was more than a very special man, he was a friend that I treasured.

Ida Heath

January 20, 2006

Dear Mrs Paul Wetzig, Drs. Carl, Richard, and families,



I was saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Paul. I saw him first in 1970 after a serious head injury. He performed 3 eye surgeries and except for a little minor double vision in the periphery, I am well. I was very grateful for his expertise and genuine care through the years. I moved to Tucson in 1994 and continue to get my eye care at Colorado Springs Eye Clinic, now with Dr. Carl. Thanks Drs. Wetzig for being there for your patients and friends. I am honored to have been a patient of Dr. Paul's. God bless you all now and always.



Ida Heath

Lois Weaver

January 20, 2006

I was sorry to hear of your loss. I was a patient of his when working in Colo many yrs ago. I also trained at Beth-El and was fortunate to work with him as a student and later when in the Operating Room. He was a great person, very good to me both as a nurse and patient.

john calder

January 19, 2006

Good friend and a super human being. He accomplished so much-if only we could do the same. Sincere condolences to all the Wetzig family. I feel fortunate to have known many of them and Paul.

Howard "Bud" Sabol

January 18, 2006

Family and friends:

Dr. Wetzig was such a trusted and gifted opthamologist. His care for our family members in the past is still appreciated. It was my JOY to spend a short time as a care giver and serve Doctor. Even in his deterioration, he was witty and very generous in nature. I really enjoyed being with him and the family members. May memories be very precious and his legacy live eternally. Our prayers are with you!



HOME INSTEAD Care Giver

Ron Pelton MD

January 18, 2006

Dr. Wetzig was one of the true giants of ophthalmology and a great man. Your loss is our loss.

Earline & Pat Pool

January 16, 2006

Paul, we'll never forget the promotion party in Glen Canyon...probably the first, and last, such ceremony amid the tamarisk and mud. The hike to the top of Rainbow Bridge separated the men from the boys as we recall...meet you on the other side, friend. Better save us a place in line, at least for the next year or so.

Debra Skodack Burnes

January 16, 2006

To the Wetzig family,

My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Like so many Colorado Springs families, my family was blessed by the caring talents and skills of Dr. Wetzig. There was no equal to his gentle manners and sincere interest in patients.

We were so very lucky to be under his good care. God bless.

Deborah Pollard

January 15, 2006

What a pleasure it has been to get to know you... Doc! Your legacy of caring for others shows in those around you...you are loved by many. I will always remember you.

Your CNA, Deborah

Suzanne Garner

January 15, 2006

I have been a long time patient of Dr. Carl Wetzig and your practice..you will be missed..God speed.

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