Donald B. Hunninghake

Hunninghake, Donald B., MD passed away on his birthday, February 2, 2012 in Carlsbad, California at the age of 78. He will be tremendously missed by his wife of 27 years, Sherrie, his three children and their families; daughter, Dr. Denise Hunninghake (Dr. Joseph Lasnier); daughter, Diane Hunninghake; son, Donald Jr. (Lisa) Hunninghake; grandchildren Matthew and Michael Lasnier; Natalie and Jack Hunninghake. He also leaves stepchildren Loren Ryter (Deirdre DelaCruz), Zenna Caiden, and grandson, Kai Benjamin Ryter. He found enormous joy spending time with his devoted family and was a loving Papa to his grandchildren who adored him. As a modest man who never boasted of his numerous accomplishments, he was a legend in the field of Lipidology and a fantastic mentor. He will always be remembered by the many lives he touched and his contributions to how we treat lipid disorders throughout the world. He was instrumental in developing clinical trials of life saving lipid lowering drugs. After receiving his Medical Degree from the University of Kansas in 1959, he went on to specialize in Internal Medicine, Clinical Pharmacology, and Preventative Cardiology. Dr. Hunninghake spent the majority of his career with the University of Minnesota Medical School as professor in the departments of medicine and pharmacology. He retired in 2004 as the Director of the Heart Disease Prevention Clinic to become an Emeritus Professor of Medicine (Cardiovascular) and Pharmacology. He joined Astra Zeneca Pharmaceuticals as a Senior Field Medical Director, working as an internal consultant until December 2011. A celebration of life will be held in Minneapolis May 5 at 2 PM in the McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak Street SE. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Dr. Hunninghake to the charity of your choice or The Henry and Mary Hunninghake Scholarship Fund. Memorials for the Henry and Mary Hunninghake Scholarship should be addressed to: Benedictine College, Office of Advancement, 1020 N. Second St., Atchison, KS 66002. Online donations can be made at my.benedictine.edu/…. This scholarship funds students from rural backgrounds. It was established to honor Dr. Hunninghake¹s parents, who received only 8th and 6th grade educations and inspired all five of their children to attend college. Written tributes can also be left at caringbridge .org/visit/donaldhunninghake

Published on February 19, 2012