I know it’s been several years since his passing, but I was recently thinking of Dr. Zuege and decided to look him up. He was such an intricate part of my life starting the age of 3 (in ‘73) to 23. He provided orthopedic surgery almost yearly for an extreme case bilateral hip dysplasia and a leg length difference. I lived in TN, but have family in MIlwaukee, so I spent most of my summers there recuperating at my Grandparents house. Most of my surgeries were done at Milwaukee Children’s Hospital and later moved to Columbia. I was also fortunate enough to have Dr. Blount stop in and consult on many occasions (and I still retain a couple of his staples). I have such fond memories of Dr. Zuege. You could always hear him yelling down the hallways (because he was a perfectionist), and he would be so kind and gentle as soon as he walked in the door. He performed my last orthopedic surgery in ‘93. His goal was always to keep me walking. Almost 10 years ago I was told I shouldn’t be able to walk, but I definitely believe all of the procedures I endured are what keep me on my feet. I wish I had taken the time to let him know, he would have been so pleased. Even after 6 years, I’m truly sorry for your loss. He was one of a kind.
~ Andra (Doria) Sullins,
Atlanta, GA
I know it’s been several years since his passing, but I was recently thinking of Dr. Zuege and decided to look him up. He was such an intricate part of my life starting the age of 3 (in ‘73) to 23. He provided orthopedic surgery almost yearly for an extreme case bilateral hip dysplasia and a leg length difference. I lived in TN, but have family in MIlwaukee, so I spent most of my summers there recuperating at my Grandparents house. Most of my surgeries were done at Milwaukee Children’s Hospital and later moved to Columbia. I was also fortunate enough to have Dr. Blount stop in and consult on many occasions (and I still retain a couple of his staples). I have such fond memories of Dr. Zuege. You could always hear him yelling down the hallways (because he was a perfectionist), and he would be so kind and gentle as soon as he walked in the door. He performed my last orthopedic surgery in ‘93. His goal was always to keep me walking. Almost 10 years ago I was told I shouldn’t be able to walk, but I definitely believe all of the procedures I endured are what keep me on my feet. I wish I had taken the time to let him know, he would have been so pleased. Even after 6 years, I’m truly sorry for your loss. He was one of a kind.
~ Andra Doria-Sullins,
Atlanta, GA
While I haven't seen Dr. Zuege for about 25 years, he performed my double spinal fusion in 1974, with Dr. Blount consulting. These two men changed my life, and I would think of them quite often. So many have been touched by both his work and his care; what a wonderful legacy to leave behind.
Blessings to his family as he is reunited with his wife.
~ Linda (Schram) Edwards,
New Berlin, WI
Praying for your family. Dr. Zeuge was lead surgeon for my 1973 spinal fusion. My current ortho surgeon isn't thrilled with what was done, but it was state of the art at the time.
If we knew then...
Still grateful for his skill and care.
A GREAT man.
~ Vivian (Loecher) Nienow,
Brown Deer, WI
"Uncle Bob" was an icon in our family. As a surgeon, he clearly had a great deal on his mind. Yet, at family gatherings, Uncle Bob always took time to make even the oldest aunt and the youngest nephew feel special.Growing up, just about every major holiday was spent with Uncle Bob and his family. I don't ever remember him uttering an unkind or angry word.(Except for the time I lit a match to a party favor at his dining room table) Uncle Bob was the consummate host. He went to great lengths to insure everyone had a good time when the gathering was in his home.When Uncle Bob threw an extra special party, he usually served lobster that had been flown in live from Maine. As a current resident of Maine, I admire his good taste.Uncle Bob's finest moment as a gracious host came when his wife passed away a few years ago. Aunt Mary had died much too young, yet Uncle Bob greeted each person at her funeral and reception with a quiet dignity and inner strength that was truly inspirational. I didn't really appreciated Uncle Bob's standing as a physician until I visited the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC and came across a display featuring The Milwaukee Brace. The brace was developed by Blount Orthopedic,and my uncle was the protege of Dr. Walter Blount. In 1956, my parents purchased Uncle Bob's childhood home from his parents.In college, I had the same attic bedroom that Uncle Bob occupied when he went to college. During my study time, I used to stare out at the rooftops of North 59th Street and think about Uncle Bob studying in the exact same spot looking at the exact same rooftops. His academic accomplishments inspired me to keep going, even though I wanted to dose off. Finally, Uncle Bob modeled a great love for his wife and children.He was always kind, giving and intensely loyal. He will be greatly missed by so many. The world is a better place because Robert C. Zuege spent 85 years here,
~ Ben Gumm,
North Berwick, ME
My family and I are very sorry for your loss. I was a patient of Robert and am very greatf for the wonderful work he did for me when I was a out 2 years old. My parents were told I would never walk because of an infection in my hip, but because of the wonderful and quick work of Robert I was able to walk and enjoy my life. I spent many visits at Childern Hospital in Milwaukee with him and the work he did was. Always what was best for me. I owe many wonderful days running around to him. We not only lost a great doctor but also a wonderful and caring man. I was truy blessed to know him and will be missed greatly. Again I am sorry for your family's loss
~ David Wanker,
franklin, WI
I was deeply saddened by the news of Bob's passing. I was a resident in the Milwaukee orthopedic program and spent six months at Columbia Hospital in 1972 and 1973. To me Bob represented the very best role model and teacher in the program. I tried very hard to follow his example in my practice and especially in my interaction with patients. He was truly a great man and a great physician. My sympathy is extended to his entire family.
~ John Phillips,
Brookfield, WI
