Charles Ellsworth Kerrick M.D.

Charles E. Kerrick, M.D.

Charles E. Kerrick, M.D., 94, of Caldwell, died Sunday, July 1, 2018 at a Boise hospital, due to the complications associated with a ground level fall. The family will receive friends at a visitation on Friday, July 13th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Dakan Funeral Chapel, 504 S. Kimball Ave., Caldwell. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 14th at Boone Memorial Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 14th & Dearborn, Caldwell. Condolences and memories may be shared with the Kerrick family at www.dakanfuneralchapel.com
Charles Ellsworth Kerrick was born November 13, 1923 at Parma, Idaho, to Walter Ellsworth and Bertha Sayler Kerrick. He was raised and educated in Parma. He played cornet in the band and served as the center for the Parma Panthers football team. He graduated from Parma High School in 1942. Charles made his commitment to the United States Navy at the age of 17. After graduation he enrolled in an accelerated program that was available due to the Navy’s increasing need of doctors. He completed his college in 2 1/2 years at the College of Idaho and Idaho State University, graduating in 1945. He then attended Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. While at Creighton, he received his B.S.M. in 1946, and graduated with his M.D. in 1948 at the age of 24. After an internship at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Omaha, he fulfilled a military obligation with the U.S. Navy for the next year. He joined the medical partnership of Cole, Kaley, Hanford and Shupe in Caldwell in July of 1950. That partnership eventually evolved into the Family Medical Clinic. From 1953 through 1955 he served on active duty with the U.S. Naval Reserve during the Korean Conflict. He served as a medical officer aboard the USS General Brewster. After 13 years of service, he was honorably discharged, at which time he returned to Caldwell and continued in the practice of medicine and surgery until his retirement in 2006 at the age of 82 years.
Charles served as president of the Caldwell Memorial Hospital Medical Staff and also served as president of the Southwest Idaho Medical Society. He was appointed to the Idaho State Board of Medicine by then Governor Robert E. Smylie and served from 1961-1969. He had been a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians since 1956, and had been a diplomate and charter fellow from 1972 until his retirement. In 1978 he was awarded the John Edwards Physician of the Year award, given by the Southwest Idaho Medical Society. He was later chosen to receive Idaho’s outstanding Physician of the Year Award in 1986, given by the Idaho Academy of Family Practice. Charles was also active over the years in community affairs. He was a member and past president of the Caldwell Rotary Club, Caldwell Lodge #1448 P.B.O.E., and Mount Moriah Lodge #39 A.F. & A.M. He was also a member of Boone Memorial Presbyterian Church, where he attended faithfully and served on the Board of Elders at one time.
Charles met Patria Jean Olesen “Pat” when they were both freshmen at the College of Idaho. They married on December 22, 1948 and she remained his devoted and faithful wife until her death on November 15, 2016. In 1950, they moved to Caldwell where they lived thereafter. Together they raised seven children.
Charles' greatest joy was time spent with his family at the cabin on Lake Cascade. He would say that the cabin was the only place in the world where he could go and forget he was a doctor for a day or two.
Charles is survived by his children, David Ellsworth Kerrick (wife Juneal) of Caldwell, their children Pete Kerrick, Beth Orler, George Kerrick, and Katherine Kerrick; the wife and children of Steven Scott Kerrick, Suzy Kerrick of Olney, Maryland, and children, Jennifer Kerrick Muhler, Heather Kerrick, and James Kerrick; Carl Bryce Kerrick (wife Sue) of Lewiston, Idaho, and their children, Ben Kerrick, Amy Kerrick Lunsford, and Annie Kerrick; Kathryn Lorie Kerrick Betts (husband Gene) of Caldwell, and their children Aimee Betts Peck and Brady Betts; Julie Margaret Kerrick Skyving (Leif) of Caldwell, and their children Rachal Skyving and Erik Skyving; Alan Charles Kerrick (wife Lisa) of Caldwell, and their children, Adam Peterson, Kara Sue Opfermann, Alana Kerrick Fergurson, and Charlie Kerrick; and Lisa Marie Kerrick Peterson (husband Greg). In addition, he is survived by fourteen great-grandchildren (two on the way), and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife of almost 68 years, he was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Bertha Kerrick, his sister, Kathryn Dille, and his beloved son, Steve Kerrick.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Boone Church (PCUSA), 406 S. 14th Ave., Caldwell, Idaho 83605 or the College of Idaho, 2112 Cleveland Blvd., Caldwell, Idaho 83605.
Dr. Kerrick was known to his colleagues, employees and patients alike as a very kind, quiet, compassionate, energetic family physician who literally devoted his life to medicine and to his family. To his family, he was simply known as Dad and Grandpa, and the greatest man who ever lived. Thanks for everything Dad. May you rest in peace.
 

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