Harlan Robert Thering, M.D., F.A.C.S, known to many as “Dr. T”, peacefully passed away at his home on September 29, 2012 after a courageous battle against cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family. Also at his side was Rev. Monsignor David G. Fierro of St. Matthews Catholic Church. Dr. Thering was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Elizabeth Thering, his siblings Lucille, Lorraine, Clement, Rose, Paul, Mary, and Albert. He is survived by his wife Jane, his children Mary (Dan), Michael (Dorothy), Melissa (James), and Mark, his grandchildren Daniel, Michael, Amanda, Kristen, Leah, Natasha, Garrett, Matthew, and Victoria, his great grandchildren Thomas, Heather, Madison, Eloise, Ashton, and Wyatt, and his brother Raymond and sister Amelda. Dr. Thering was born on a farm in Plain, Wisconsin on October 17, 1934; he was the youngest of 11 children. He attended St. Nazarius High School. Upon graduation from high school, he entered Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, where he began his training in the seminary. Dr. Thering eventually changed his major to medicine, graduating salutatorian with a B.S. degree in Biology. It was at Loras College that Dr. Thering met his wife of 55 years, Jane Sorenson. The two were married before he began attending medical school at Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1959, Dr. Thering was commissioned in the U.S. Army, Senior Medical School Program. He graduated from Marquette University Medical School in 1960. Dr. Thering completed his internship and residency in general surgery at Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. His military career took him from Fort Sam Houston to Bassett Army Hospital, at Fort Wainwright, Alaska where from 1966 to 1968, he was Chief of the Department of Surgery. In 1968, Dr. Thering was accepted into a plastic surgery residency program at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.. After his residency, he served as Assistant Chief of Plastic Surgery. Two years later, he became Chief of Plastic Surgery at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas.Throughout Dr. Thering’s career he donated much of his time and expertise to the Cleft Palate Clinic of El Paso which was a favorite part of his practice. After 20 years in the military service, Dr. Thering retired as full colonel. He entered private practice in 1980 and continued a successful career as a plastic surgeon until his retirement in 2005.
During Dr. Thering’s distinguished career both in the Army and in private practice, he received following Decorations and Awards:
• Army Certificate of achievement, 1967
• Army physician of the year, 1967
• Army accommodation medal, 1968
• First prize Plastic Residence Conference, 1970
• Second prize Plastic Residence Conference, 1971
• Army Accommodation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, 1972
• Certificate of Achievement: Awarded “A” Professional Designator by Department of Army, 1979
• Legion of Merit Award, 1980
• Voted Outstanding Plastic Surgeon 1991 – Providence Memorial Hospital
• Twice received Texas Monthly “Best of Doctors in America” Award,
Dr. Thering was Board Certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Thering has numerous publications, including articles in both the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal and the British Journal of Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Thering maintained membership in many societies, including:
• Fellow, American College of Surgeons
• American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• The Educational Foundation of the American Society of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons
• American Cleft Palate Association
• El Paso County Medical Association
Dr. Thering was also an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and colleagues. When not at the hospital or office, he enjoyed working in his yard where he took great pride in his lawn and garden. The family wishes to thank Dr. Dwayne Aboud, all the wonderful people at M.D. Anderson in Houston, CIMA Hospice, The Cancer Treatment Center and Home Care Unlimited who provided such great care over the past months. Pallbearers will be his sons; Michael R. Thering, Mark C. Thering, son-in-laws; Daniel L Scheppers, James Hastings, grandsons; Daniel R. Thering, Michael T. Scheppers, Garrett M. Thering, Matthew C. Thering and nephew Christopher Cook. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Dr. Ronald Gum,Dr. John (Jack) Major, Dr. James Peterson, Dr. Dale Reynolds, Dr. Robert P. Villarreal. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM, with a Rosary at 6:00PM at Martin Funeral Home West. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 11:00AM at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 500 W. Sunset. Interment will follow at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson at 1:00PM, with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Matthews Catholic Parish building fund, 400 W. Sunset, El Paso, TX 79922. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr. El Paso, TX 79912. www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com
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