Dr. Paul M. Cunningham

Dr. Paul M. Cunningham
Appleton

Age 91, died on Friday, November 14, 2003 at the Franciscan Care Center. He will be remembered in the Appleton community as a pillar of the medical field who took particular pride in providing superior care to his patients for 38 years.

Paul was born on August 8, 1912, in DeWitt County, Illinois, to parents Samuel Alva and Comfort Clara (Hammitt) Cunningham. He grew up in Illinois, Ohio, and southern Wisconsin, graduating from Madison Central High School. Paul attended Wabash College, received his BA degree from the University of Wisconsin, and his MD degree from the University of Michigan in 1941.

He was commissioned in the US Naval Reserve Medical Corps as a Lt. JG. Paul served his country during WW II in the Mediterranean Theatre, participating in the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. He completed his military service in Minneapolis, Minnesota and was discharged from the Navy as Lt. Commander in 1946.

Paul opened the doors of his medical practice in Appleton, Wisconsin, on March 15, 1946. He was a family practitioner, retiring on July 14, 1984. Paul delivered over 2, 300 babies, including his own granddaughter, Mara. He was instrumental in the founding of Appleton Memorial Hospital, now known as Appleton Medical Center, serving as its second chief of staff and was also active on County and State medical boards and commissions. Paul served as president of the Outagamie County Medical Society and was a co-founder, with the late Mrs. Stanley Hamilton, of the Outagamie County Chapter of the American Cancer Society. He also served as team physician to the Fox Cities Foxes.

His fraternal organizations include: Elks, Masonic Lodge, Shrine and the Kiwanis Golden “K” Club. Paul was an active golfer and a founder of the Fox Cities Racquet Club, playing tennis until the age of 88. He split his time during retirement between Appleton and Sun City, Arizona, where he was active in the Sun City Scots and the Wisconsin Society. Paul was a longtime member of Memorial Presbyterian Church, Appleton and Faith Presbyterian Church, Sun City, Arizona.

Paul married Olive Lorraine Freeman January 30, 1943 and they have enjoyed a happy, loving marriage for 60 years. He is the father of 4 boys: Paul Martin (Pamela Wulk), Fairfax, Virginia; Kent Alan, who died in Vietnam Nov 1, 1968; Craig Reed (Janet Philby), Green Bay; Glen Robert, Superior, Wisconsin; 4 granddaughters: Shelley Cunningham Harber, St. Paul, Minnesota; Mara Cunningham Perkins, Atlanta, Georgia; Kimberly and Katherine Cunningham, Green Bay; one sister, Dora Cunningham-Robinson-Winn, Florida; and 3 great-grandchildren: Megan, Micah and Mia Harber. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Howard and Lowell; and his sister, Mildred.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, November 19, 2003 at MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 803 East College Avenue, Appleton, with Rev. Charles Valenti-Hein, Rev. Steven Blackstock and Rev. Shelley Cunningham-Harber officiating. Visitors will be received at the church on Wednesday, November 19 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. The entombment will be held at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. As an expression of sympathy, memorials to benefit Memorial Presbyterian Church or an organization of choice are appreciated.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Robert Fox and his staff; the staff at A.M.C., Manor Care and the Franciscan Care Center, for their loving and thoughtful care.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 North Superior Street
Appleton 920-739-1231