Wells Family - Person Sheet
Wells Family - Person Sheet
NameDr Selmer Milo “Sam” Loken
Birth4 May 1913, Pierpont, Day Co, SD
Death8 May 2015, St Paul, Ramsey Co, MN
EducationS.B., University of South Dakota, 1936
FatherMikel Torlievson Loken (1864-1956)
Misc. Notes
Birth record lists him only as a male son.
He registered for the Draft on 16 Oct 1940 in St Paul, MN,
Selmer, (Uncle Sam) was a well known surgeon in St. Paul, MN. He has an award named after him at the Univ. Minn for medical students who demonstrate exceptional caring for their patients.
[Obituary] Pioneer Press - 17 May 2015
May 8, 2015 at age 102, Sam was peacefully reunited with his beloved wife, Phyllis, and 11 brothers and sisters. Father of Barbara (Roger) Bogotty, Paula Johnson, Phyllis Loken, Linda (David) Pietsch, Andrea Loken-Smith (Thomas). Also survived by 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. 1938 graduate of University of Chicago Rush Medical Center. On staff at Bethesda Hospital from 1938 through 1978. Possessing a dedicated level of leadership and generosity led Sam in 1947 to donate $1,000, 2 infant beds and 2 incubators, thus the Bethesda Pediatric Ward was born. Sam served several years in Pathology at Bethesda in addition to his private practice. He served as Chief of Staff in 1955 and 1966. In 1978 Bethesda inaugurated the "S.M. Loken Humanitarian Medicine Award", which was presented annually to the graduating family practice resident who demonstrated academic excellence, medical competence, educational commitment, professional demeanor and an uncompromising concern for the welfare of all patients as exemplified by Dr. Loken. Upon retirement, Sam continued as a Preceptor in the University of Minnesota's Family Practice Residency Program for Bethesda's family practice residents. Dr. Loken was honored by Minnesota Physician's Magazine in 1995 for his volunteer work to the medically underserved at several of the St. Mary's Health Clinics. In 1997 he was recognized and honored as a Bethesda Builder for his exceptional contributions to the life and growth of Bethesda Hospital. Dr. Loken believed that in addition to a physician's scientific knowledge, the art of medicine should be an innate quality you must strive to preserve. Sam advised, "All the academic knowledge becomes a meaningless effort unless its application is skillfully blended with a sympathetic and kindly hand. It is the duty of a Doctor to treat every individual, not as a mannequin, but with all the fervor, respect and artful tact you would bestow on your loved ones". He also wrote: "Would that you could give to those in need your knowledge, your skill, or just a kindly deed. It is not what you have, but, what you give that will reward you as long as you live. May your inspiration be as radiant as the sun, that it might glow long after the day's work is done. Would that your motives could stand so high that your critics could find nary a cloud in the sky. If this be your final goal, God alone can judge your soul." Farewell, Dad. Your life's work is done. You were an exemplary role model; a gentle, mild mannered man who held himself to the highest principles, honesty, and integrity, and with unwavering compassion and caring for all. Private family services were held. Memorials preferred to St. Mary's Health Clinics at 1884 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105.
Spouses
Birth1 Aug 1908, Mankato, Blue Earth Co, MN
Death28 Mar 2000, Newport, Washington Co, MN
BurialRoselawn Cem, Roseville, Ramsey Co, MN
Misc. Notes
Daughter of Antone William Egersdorf and Emma A Kroenke
Marriage27 Sep 1941, Minnesota
Last Modified 25 Nov 2019Created 5 Aug 2023 using Reunion on a Mac