The late Dr. George Spellman, a deacon, honored by Mercy

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
June 12, 2003

Mercy Medical Center-Sioux City recently unveiled a permanent recognition piece honoring longtime physician Dr. George Spellman, who also was a permanent deacon of the Diocese of Sioux City.

The display board also recognizes recipients of a community service award that bears his name. Dr. Spellman, who died early last year, and his wife, Carol, were the first recipients of the award.

"Established last fall by the Mercy Foundation, the Dr. George Spellman Annual Service Award will be presented each year to someone who has given their time, their talent and their treasure to exemplify the values of Mercy," noted Peter Makowski, president and CEO of Mercy Medical Center. "In presenting this award on an annual basis, we will be able to honor those who - by their actions - have contributed significantly to the betterment of the Siouxland community."

Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo led the invocation.

"It is a pleasure for me to be a part of the invocation today for the unveiling of this plaque and award," said the bishop, in opening comments. "Dr. Spellman was both perfect in terms of medicine - competency and care - and also in terms of his delight in being with people he served."

He prayed, "May we honor those that are in service to this community. May they reflect the values, may they reflect the mission of Mercy Hospital. May we all progress day by day towards the successful completion of our work even as your servant, Dr. George Spellman, progressed day by day to complete his work among us."

Makowski pointed out that it was appropriate that the service award bore the name of Dr. Spellman as he was a true citizen of the community and was one of the most distinguished physicians of the Siouxland area.

"Dr. Spellman truly lived by the principles of Catholic healthcare. He treated people of diverse faiths and backgrounds and viewed every person as a treasure, every life as a sacred gift and every human being, a unity mind, body and spirit," he said.

Makowski said that Dr. Spellman's tireless work, leadership, dedication and compassion will always be held in the highest regard and will be perpetually acknowledged through the annual presentation of this service award.

"Dr. Spellman truly embodied the 'care' in health care by answering God's call to foster healing and acted compassionately by caring for others and for the very community where he lived and he worked," he said.

The current chairperson of the Mercy Foundation Board, Dr. Gregg Galloway, pointed out that embodied in the award was the future in terms of values.

"The award was originated through a suggestion by Peter that the foundation look at doing something in terms of service mission and reputation and to define its purpose in the community," he explained.

The foundation's board and gala committee, after much discussion, felt it was appropriate to establish the award in honor of Dr. Spellman. Dr. Galloway pointed out that the award will be given at the yearly gala.

After the recognition plaque was unveiled, Dr. Spellman's daughter, Liz, offered some brief comments. She said her parents chose to come to Sioux City because of the strong medical community here.

"He never wavered on his appreciation and belief in the wonderful medical care in Sioux City," she said. "Dad loved practicing medicine, he loved his patients and he loved Mercy Medical Center."

Mostly, she added, her father loved God and loved serving God through the practice of medicine.

"The recognition plaque with the artist's bronze relief is a beautiful tribute to my husband and also to those who were part of 'his team' in bringing the very best medical care possible to those in his care," said Carol Spellman. "He also always put them in God's special care. He was compassionate in time of sorrow, was generous in his love and was happy to share his joy of living."

She said she is sure that Dr. Spellman would be happy to be remembered by this plaque in Mercy Medical Center.