Dr. Irvin L. Heimburger

Dr. Irvin “Irv” LeRoy Heimburger of Evansville, IN, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at age 93. Born in 1931 to medical missionaries serving in Tsinan, China, Irv grew up in Springfield, Missouri.

He graduated from Springfield’s Drury College before earning his medical degree from Vanderbilt University in 1957. During his subsequent surgical residency at Indiana University Medical Center, he met and married Marcia Jean Enlow, his wife of 61 years.

Soon after, Irv accepted an invitation to serve as a thoracic registrar in the prestigious Leeds Infirmary of England before settling in Evansville in 1966. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Heimburger, along with the late Drs. Ralph Carlson, J.D. McDonald and J. Guy Hoover, formed Evansville Surgical Associates Inc., which grew to become the largest surgery practice in the Tri-State area. Known for his genuine bedside manner, Dr. Heimburger gave generously to his profession and community throughout his life. During 32 years of private practice, he served as president of the medical staffs at St. Mary's and Deaconess Hospitals as well as the Indiana Chapter of the American College of Surgeons. He was also a longtime member of many distinguished medical and surgical societies. He faithfully attended Christian Fellowship Church and Weinbach’s cafeteria.

Upon retirement in 1998, Irv pursued his passion for storytelling and American postal history. His collection of US postage stamps and envelopes grew to include one of the most comprehensive exhibits assembled of the 1869 Pictorial Issue. In 2008, after decades of research, curation, and exhibition, his exhibit won the coveted "Champion of Champions" award at the 41st World Series of Philately.

Another great interest was genealogy, culminating in the publication of "Roy and Margaret", a loving tribute to his parents and family history. He was an accomplished tennis player and avid collector. He took great pride in creating and caring for his wooded sanctuary which became known as "Bobo's" Park, since he was affectionately known as “Bobo” to his grandchildren. His family will continue to cherish many memories of his extraordinary generosity, meticulously planned trips, squirrel relocation program, and witty one-liners.

Irv was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Margaret (Smith) Heimburger; siblings, Louise, Robert, Douglas, Francis (McDowell), and Richard Heimburger; and cousin Sherman Heimburger. Irv is survived by his wife Marcia; children, Angela, Jeff, Chris (Lauren Berry), and Jenny (Henneberger); grandchildren, Jake, Julia, and Kelly Heimburger; Charlie, Peter, Douglas and Gideon Henneberger; many nieces and nephews; great nieces and great nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. CDT on Friday, October 18, 2024 at Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue in Evansville to be led by Pastor Corbett Heimburger.

Family and friends may visit on Friday from 3:00 p.m. CDT until service time at the funeral home. The service will be livestreamed beginning Friday at 5:45 p.m. CDT on www.facebook.com/FuneralStreamUSA.

In lieu of flowers, please perform an act of kindness in Irv’s memory. Memorial contributions may be made to the LeRoy F. Heimburger Fund for Global Health Education and Training at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine or the Margaret Coleman Heimburger Scholarship at Drury College, or to a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.