Blaine W. Claypool, MD

Our heavenly Father chose Father's Day, June 20, 2010, to bring his earthly son, Dr. Blaine W. Claypool home to his side. He was a gentle man, a kind and caring man. A man who epitomized what a husband, father, doctor, brother, grandfather and friend should be. He was a gardener, a painter, a reader, a photographer, a writer and most of all a listener.

Blaine loved his patients and was a doctor who still believed in house calls. He spent his days off visiting those patients who could no longer get to his office, whatever their infirmities. He often said, “the saddest day of my life was the day I had to give up practicing medicine.” Blaine respected nurses and said, “doctors are only as good as the nurse in charge of their patients.” He admired all hospital personnel, teachers and hard workers in every field of endeavor.

Blaine was born in Oak Park, Illinois, on September 10, 1924. He was the son of the late Blaine W. and Ruth (Henninger) Claypool. He began his education at Oak Park/River Forest Township High School and moved on to Pre-Medicine at the University of Illinois, Urbana. From January 1944 to May 1946 Blaine served with the United States Army serving in ETO with the 120th Evacuation Hospital and treated prisoners at Buchenwald Concentration Camp during WWII. In 1951, Dr. Claypool graduated from Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois and did his internship at St. Luke's Hospital, Chicago. He did his residency at Hines Veterans Administration Hospital, Maywood, Illinois. Following this, Dr. Claypool did a two-year fellowship to study Internal Medicine at the Mayo Foundation in Rochester, Minnesota.

From 1955-1957 Dr. Claypool was a General Practice Physician in Waupaca and Weyauwega. He then began a solo practice in association with LaSalle Clinic, specializing in Internal Medicine and later working with Affinity Health System from 1994-2003. He was also a Clinical Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Family Practice with the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine.

Blaine was a member of the National Wildlife Federation, the Vestry at St. Mark's Church, Waupaca and All Saints Episcopal Church, Appleton. He was Chairman of the Utilization Review Committee for Appleton Medical and St. Elizabeth Hospital. He was a member of the American Society of Internal Medicine. Dr. Claypool was a former President, Combined Medical/Dental Staff Appleton Medical Center/St. Elizabeth Hospital. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Appleton Medical Center and St. Elizabeth Hospital and a member of the Local Advisory Committee for Healthcare for the Uninsured/Outagamie County/State Health Insurance Pilot Program.

Blaine believed in giving back to his community and used his time and his talents to change lives. He was the first Physician for the Salvation Army Mini Clinic which later became the Fox Cities Community Clinic in 1997. He was a member of the Advisory Committee for Salvation Army from 1987-2003 and volunteered there until his retirement. Dr. Claypool was a Director for Valley Health Services in Menasha from 1990 until his retirement. In 2003, Blaine was a volunteer with Stephen Ministry through All Saints Church. In 1983 he graciously extended his talents to the outside world and along with his wife, Alice, cared for people at St.Jude's Hospital in St.Lucia, West Indies.

In his lifetime, Blaine received many awards for his commitment to healthcare and the preservation of life in the Fox Cities, including the Health and Human Services Award (Wheaton Franciscan Sisters), Dr. Chris Wallace Award-Affinity Health System, and the Health Care Volunteer of the Year Award for Outagamie County and surrounding area.

Blaine married Shirley Myrick in 1948 and they delighted in their seven children: John (Diana) Claypool of Appleton; Diane (Rick) Ponthan of Nashville; Debbie (Jim) McAuliff of Richmond, Illinois; Dale Claypool and friend Jim of Madison; Mary Claypool and fiancée Dennis of Winneconne; Barbara (Kerry) Crosby of Columbus, Indiana; and Caroline (Tony) Bleier of Lakewood. Each one was special and filled Blaine with pride at their many accomplishments.

In 1981, Blaine married Alice (McCrory) Jentz. She was always first in his life and their 29 year union was an example to all. He welcomed into his heart eight wonderful step-children who called him “Dad II”: Bob Jentz of Madison; Jeff (Beth) Jentz of Appleton; Roni (Alan) Franz of Appleton; Cindy (Marty) Gietman of Freedom; Terry (Dave) Wadel of Freedom; Julie Jentz and friend Tim of Appleton; Brenda (Dan) Sieger of Appleton; and Linda Jentz of Appleton.

There are also thirty-seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, numerous friends and wonderful colleagues, especially Dr. John Elisberg.

Further survivors include three brothers: Larry Claypool of Melrose Park, Illinois; Robert Claypool, MD, US Army-Ret. of Potomac, Maryland; and Dr. David (Shareen) Claypool of Spokane, Washington; as well as by his brothers and sisters-in-law: Bob McCrory and friend Judy of Appleton; Fred (Barb) McCrory of Appleton; Ralph (April) Jacob of Fremont; Beverly Peterson of Appleton; Jean Willer of Appleton; and a special thanks to Shirley and Ed Whitman of Appleton for your love and kindness. Blaine was so happy to have had you be part of his life.

Blaine was preceded in death by his parents, by Alice's mother Veronica Glander, a sister: Barbara (Pat) Patton, a sister-in-law: Nancy Claypool; brother-in-law: Jack Peterson and a grandson: Jacob Bleier.

On Friday, June 25, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM, the family will receive visitors at the Wichmann Funeral Home in Appleton. There will be a prayer and scripture service at the funeral home at 8:00 PM to conclude the visitation. The funeral service for Dr. Claypool will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, June 26, 2010, at ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 100 N. Drew Street in Appleton, with Fr. Patrick Twomey officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 9:00 AM. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery. Memorial funds are being established for All Saints Church, Affinity Hospice, Appleton Medical Center Foundation, and St. Elizabeth Hospital Foundation.

The family would like to offer their sincere thanks to the many caregivers who have aided the family during this difficult time. They include Drs. Holder, Goggins, Rasmussen, Smith and their staffs, Affinity Hospice especially Tammy, Andrea, Gina, Susan, and Tina as well as everyone who has simply kept our family in their prayers. We will never forget your kindness.

He is gone, he is gone, how can that be? No, he lives as long as kindness kisses our hearts, as long as a hand reaches down to pull someone up. He is here, he is here.

Blaine was a treasure and to know him was to love him.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920-739-1231