University Condolences

Gregory Lowdermilk, M.D., assistant professor of surgery, died July 26. He was 37.

Dr. Lowdermilk was a cardiothoracic surgeon and had been with Saint Louis University since January 1999. Before coming to the University he was in private practice in Memphis and was a clinical instructor in the department of surgery at the University of Tennessee. He earned his undergraduate degree in 1985 and a medical degree in 1989, both from Indiana University.

A funeral Mass was celebrated July 29 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Webster Groves, Mo. An on-campus memorial service was held Aug. 2 in the Saint Louis University Hospital Chapel, which was filled with friends and colleagues

"We are all saddened by his death," said Keith S. Naunheim, M.D., division director of cardiothoracic surgery. "Not only was he an outstanding, compassionate surgeon, he was a valued friend and colleague to all who had the privilege of working with him. The thoughts and prayers of the entire University community are with his family."

Among the survivors are his wife, Mary Catherine; two daughters, Alexis and Mary Madelyn; and his parents, Dane and Mary Alice Lowdermilk of Fairland, Ind.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Missouri or the Mid-America Transplant Association.

Rene Wegria, M.D., former professor and chairman emeritus of the department of pharmacological and physiological science, died Aug. 1. He was 89.

Dr. Wegria was educated at the University of Liege and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He was director of the department of medicine at the School of Medicine from 1958 to 1963 and chairman of the department of pharmacology from 1963 to 1979.

The Rene Wegria award in pharmacology, given each year to a senior medical student who has achieved academic excellence, is named in his honor.

Frank J. Bachich, former vice president for business and finance, died Aug. 16. He was 56.

A native of Spokane, Wash., Mr. Bachich was educated at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia. He served in a number of capacities before joining Saint Louis University in July 1981. He left the University in 1996.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia, and three daughters.

Condolences are extended to:

Patty Haberberger, employee relations manager for human resource management, on the death of her mother, Mary Joanne Hastey, on July 16.

Rosemary Goulden, senior secretary in building services at the Health Sciences Center, on the death of her husband, Arthur J. Goulden, on July 26.

Jamie Hulet,employment coordinator in career services, on the death of her mother, Jean Hulet, on July 29.

Linda Harvell, administrative assistant in the dean's office of Parks College of Engineering and Aviation, on the death of her father, David Beggs, on Aug. 11.

John Ashby, associate director of the Instructional Media Center, on the death of his mother, Adelaide Ashby, on Aug. 21.

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