5.19.1921 – 10.12.2011
Dr. Hans Lettner was born in Munich on May 19, 1921. In 1940 he enrolled in the Munich medical school but with the advent of World War II, he was drafted and served in a German Mountain Division until wounded and medically discharged with the equivalent of the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star (Iron Cross). This allowed him to continue his medical studies. In 1944 he was drafted again as a Junior Medical Officer in a field hospital in Hungary and Yugoslavia. Only after the war in 1949, was he able to graduate from medical school with Magna Cum Laude distinction. After two years of postgraduate training in pathology and surgery at the University of Munich, he was invited to come to the USA. He spent two years as an intern at a Manchester New Hampshire Hospital followed by, as pathology resident, at the Mary Hitchcock Hospital Hanover NH, the Dartmouth Medical School and, eventually, at the New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston. In order to complete his pathology training he spent a year in Memphis, TN as chief resident and was then asked to join the staff as assistant pathologist. Dr. Lettner was Board Certified in Anatomical and Clinical Pathology. Desiring to enter private practice he accepted the advertised position in Hutchinson, Kansas as pathologist in 1959, first in solo practice for six years, then joined by Drs. Hinshaw, Shaw and Bryant with whom he had a cordial relationship. He was an early practitioner in Hutchinson . He served as Chief of Staff for the Hutchinson Hospital for two years; President of the Reno County Medical Society; President of the Kansas Society of Pathologists and President of the Kansas Association of Blood Banks. The Reno County Police Department awarded him the honorary title of “Police Lieutenant in Reserve” and a Deputy Sheriff plaque for his dedication and service as Medical Examiner. Dr. Lettner very much enjoyed his 30 some years in Hutchinson and the many very dear friends he developed both professionally and socially. Sailing was an early passion, as was skiing and he enjoyed many skiing vacations with the friendship and fellowship of Bob Shears, Ken Hedrick, Ace Dillon, Paul Dillon, Wayne Lowe, Bill Chalfant and others on mountainsides throughout Colorado and Utah as well as Europe. Dr. Lettner will be missed by his sister, Ilse and her family in Munich, Germany as well as by friends in Germany, Kansas, Dallas, Reno and Phoenix, Arizona where he retired in 1990, but continued to work part time , by invitation, at the Phoenix Indian Medical Center for 10 years. He will be most missed by his daughter, Monika (Lee) his son, Hans Peter (Jacque) and his three grandchildren, Alexandra, Jacob, Louise and Diane Kaegi and her family Kim, Ed, Brian and Marcia all of whom he loved very dearly. Memorial Service will be at 5pm, Monday, October 24, 2011 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phx, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations to: Hospice of the Valley. Fund Development, 1510 E. Flower St. Phoenix, AZ 85014. Email: FundDevelopment@hov.org . Phone: 602.530.6992 .
Laura Neville Woods
to all the Family and Friends of Dr. Lettner
Most sincere condolences to all of you during this sad time. During the time that I worked at Hutchinson Hospital, Hans was considered one of the class acts of the hospital and medical community in Hutchinson. He was an excellent doctor-but above that-a kind and generous person who set a great example for others. What a remarkable person!! Please know that you all will be in my thoughts in this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Laura Neville
Copperas Cove, Texas
Evelyn McIver
Dear family of Dr. Lettner, Please accept my sincere sympathy in the passing of this very special man. I am a retired surgery and recovery room nurse from the hospital in Hutchinson. The time I spent there was from 1974-1994. There were many occasions where Dr. Lettner was called to our surgical suites for diagnoses. He was so kind and caring, so professional in all of his contacts with those around him. It was a pleasure to have his acquaintance. I felt honored to be called a friend. Evelyn McIver
Frances Owl-Smith, M.D.
Dear family and friends of Hans, I had the pleasure of working and getting to know Hans while working as a pathologist at the Phoenix Indian Hospital 1992-1995. His Autobiography is still a treasured book in my library. He had a most interesting and rewarding life. He always spoke so lovingly of his children and grandchildren. We occasionally corresponded during the Christmas season and I am saddened to know he has passed. I consider it an honor to have know him however so briefly. He always said he “has had a good life”.
Mary Helen ( Mc Ginniss) Santry
In early 1950’s Dr. Lettner was interning at the Elliot Hospital in Manchester NH where I was a student nurse. As I remember him he was quite handsome and friendly and very professional. I saw him once after my 1952 graduation when he came for a friendly visit in South Boston , MA. Lately I have been writing a bit about my life and decided to look up your Father and sadly found this obituary. He certainly was a very nice man and from
what I read had a very successful career.
I am sorry for the family’s loss. I found it interesting that my brother who became an MD after fighting in Battle of the Buldge an received Bronze Star and your Father who received the Iron Cross survived to become great doctors. Again, you have my sympathy.
I would love to read his biography……
Mary Santry
Mary Santry Weymouth, MA 02188
Forgot to leave town and state