Memorial
Dr. Paul E. Orcutt, 89, died February 5, 2015 at Mercy Hospital, Cedar Rapids
Paul Orcutt, the youngest son of Harry and Una (Trevor) Orcutt, was born on August 23, 1925 in Independence, Iowa. Following his mother’s death when he was 7 years old, he was raised by his fraternal grandparents on a farm in Troy Mills. He graduated from Troy Mills High School in 1942 and received his B.A. degree from Coe College in 1946. While at Coe, he belonged to the TKE fraternity and was a cheerleader. Paul was drafted into the U.S. Army in Sept, 1946 and was honorably discharged in April, 1947. He went on to graduate from the University of Iowa Medical School in 1951 where he was a member of the AKK Fraternity. While in medical school, Paul completed an externship at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids and later completed an internship in Duluth, MN in 1951. He opened a general medicine practice in Marion in 1952 where he treated patients until his retirement in 1985. More than anything, Paul loved helping babies into the world, and there were several years when he delivered over one hundred infants. During his years of practice, he made many house calls – up to 16 in one day during a flu epidemic.
Paul married Elaine Vogel in Iowa City on Sept, 2, 1950. They had 3 children prior to Elaine’s death in 1965. Five years later, Paul married Peggy Thompson Callahan in Cedar Rapids. Peggy had 4 children at the time, and the couple co-adopted all 7 children in the blended family.
Paul was a devout member of First Presbyterian Church in Marion for over 50 years where he served as an elder and was Clerk of Session for 14 years. He was also a moderator of the Presbytery of East Iowa in 2001. Paul was made a Charter Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians in 1974, President of St. Luke’s Hospital Physician’s Staff in 1974, Kiwanis Club Citizen of the Year in 1997, Citizen of the Year for the Marion Swamp Fox Festival in 1997, and the Old Settler’s Outstanding Senior Citizen of the Year in 2007. He was also a member of the Appeal Board of the Northern Federal Judicial District for the State of Iowa and the Board of Directors of the Witwer Senior Center as well as a Century Member of the Marion Historical Museum.
Paul was instrumental in establishing the New Horizons Living Center East in Cedar Rapids where his son John resided for many years. Paul also volunteered at the Granger House in Marion, the Marion Public Library, and the Free Medical Community Clinic in Cedar Rapids.
Paul enjoyed playing bridge, going to the symphony, attending Coe Thursday Forums, reading, golfing, playing the piano, dancing, and making his treasured Christmas candy. He spent many hours watching Iowa Hawkeye ball games while doing needlepoint. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially vacationing at Fair Hills Resort in Detroit Lake, MN for over 50 years.
Paul is survived by his wife Peggy; 4 daughters: Patricia Tow (Don), Hiawatha, IA, Dr. Connie Orcutt, Brookline, MA; Dr. Paula Orcutt (Dr. Michael Schofield), Spencer, MA; and Kathryn Callahan (Kay Power), Sonoma, CA; 2 sons: Timothy Callahan, Reno, NV and Michael Orcutt, Sacramento, CA; 3 grandchildren: James Callahan, David Callahan, and Lia Flenniken; one great grandchild: Sophia Callahan; 3 special sisters-in-law: Carolyn Waite, Betty Timmons, and Jean Imoehl; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Russell and Robert, his wife Elaine, and his son John. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Courageous of Iowa, the First Presbyterian Church, or an organization of the donor’s choice.
A memorial service celebrating Paul’s life will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, February 12, 2015 at First Presbyterian Church, Marion, with the Rev. Howard Chapman officiating. Inurnment will be in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.