George Willard Hambrook III, age 82, of River Hills, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on August 26 following a brief illness. Born in Chicago on January 16, 1943, George spent his childhood in the Chicago-area, most notably Oak Park, attending St. Ignatius College Prep high school. George earned a B.S. in Biology from Xavier University in Cincinnati and an M.D. from St. Louis University. George practiced as a neurologist in Rockford, Illinois, and then Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
George is survived by Ann (Wright) Hambrook, his devoted wife of 58 years, his six children: Lauren (Keith Webb), Sarah (Mike Mitchell), Bill (Anne), Dan (Megan), John (Sarah) and Katy, and his 14 grandchildren: Emma, Joe, Charlie, and Martha Mitchell; Lily and Piper; Abby, Ryan, Molly and Owen; and Elizabeth, Mary, Matthew and Laura. He is also survived by his siblings: Tom, Ellen Riggenbach (Jim), Imelda Marquardt (Bill), Charlie (Christine), and Mary Alice Boyaris (John), brothers-in-law Gerry and Mike Wright; Ken Miller and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
George is preceded in death by his parents George and Imelda Hambrook, sister Collette Miller, and sisters-in-law Joan and Linda Wright.
George was a voracious reader and quick to use his highlighter and green pen to mark important sections in books—at times, in his children’s textbooks. He also enjoyed clipping articles (and later printing online versions) from several daily newspapers. It was the greatest compliment to be handed a clipping or highlighted article, whether it was discussion of economic policy or a Mr. Boffo cartoon. Most times, a notecard and pen were kept in his shirt pocket to record his observations of the day. A successful middle-distance runner in high school and college, George enjoyed running 5Ks and marathons throughout his life, putting to use his voluminous running shoe collection. Many Saturdays, George would return home from a long hospital shift to lead the National Avenue children in a caravan of big wheels and bicycles across the river to Sinnissippi Gardens. George loved music, especially folk music and Johnny Cash. He enjoyed attending and hosting house concerts and befriended many musicians throughout the years, including offering them overnight stays and medical advice. He was a self-taught guitarist and talented bridge player. George traveled extensively, including annual month-long stays in Coronado, CA, visits to Chestnut Mountain to ride the alpine slide, and trips to visit his children in college. An early-adopter of technology, George recorded life events first with his tape recorder and then his camcorder. He enjoyed the finer things in life like Lagavulin scotch, Woodway treadmills, Shel Silverstein poetry, local record stores, Lake Michigan vistas, Eagan’s Cappuccino torte, Chicago-style hotdogs, French donuts, roasted cashews, and brownies from the edge of the pan.
George will be fondly remembered for the kindness, patience, support, and tough love he gave his family, especially his adored grandchildren whom he named “The 14”. His quick wit and talented (though prolix) storytelling made for enjoyable dinners and social events. He was a skilled problem solver, dedicated physician, committed family man, and loyal friend to many. The family thanks Dr. Christopher P. Sobczak and staff for the exceptional care provided to George over the years.
A funeral mass will be held at Lumen Christi Catholic Church, 2750 Mequon Rd, Mequon, WI 53092 on Saturday, September 13 at 11 AM, with visitation from 10 -10:50 AM with Eulogy to follow prior to the start of Mass. Funeral arrangements managed by Schmidt and Bartelt. The burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to CARA (Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate) https://cara.georgetown.edu or a charity of your choice.