Andrew Agee, scholarly surgeon, good friend

Dr. Andrew Agee of Chanhassen, who was the first black doctor to practice obstetrics and gynecology in Minneapolis, delivered more than 5,000 babies during his career.

Agee died of natural causes on May 30 in his Chanhassen home. He was 70.

Agee and Dr. Flora MacCafferty were partners in a Minneapolis practice from 1990 to 2005.

"He was an excellent surgeon and an excellent obstetrician," MacCafferty said. "Patients came to see him from all over the metro area."

She said that obstetricians and gynecologists were early users of the laparoscope, and Agee taught courses in its use to general surgeons around the nation.

MacCafferty said the quiet, scholarly Agee was also a good friend to her family, providing her children with advice on topics such as investing or running an office.

He liked fine clothes, cars and food, and learned how to cook late in life, she said.

"We'd fall apart laughing, about his struggles," said MacCafferty, recalling how he asked her about baking potatoes after he incinerated one by cooking it for an hour in the microwave.

An avid photographer, Agee carried a camera since his days as a resident with Dr. Loren Smeby, a retired Twin Cities obstetrician-gynecologist. Smeby has a photo or two of Agee's on display at his home.

"Andy was one never to speak of himself, he never boasted and had a great sense of humor," Smeby said. "He was devoted to patient care, and devoted to learning."

In the mid-1960s, Agee graduated from the Howard University College of Medicine, after earning his bachelor's degree at Fisk University in Nashville.

He served as a medical officer with the Navy during the Vietnam War.

He came to the Twin Cities to perform his residency at the University of Minnesota around 1969.

Dr. Charles Crutchfield, the first black doctor to practice obstetrics-gynecology in Minnesota, helped recruit Agee to the Twin Cities.

"He excelled academically from day one," said Crutchfield, who continues to practice in St. Paul. "He worked hard, and loved his patients."

Crutchfield said Agee was a wizard at stock investing, and ran their investment club.

"He was the man that made the club run," said Crutchfield, adding that he liked value investing and avoided high fliers.

Agee is survived by his sons, Paul of Eagan and Chris of Golden Valley; former wife, Loretta, of Golden Valley, and one grandson.

Services have been held.