Walter Schur

OXFORD - Walter R. Schur, M.D., 96, a family physician in Oxford for 65 years passed away at the Overlook Rehabilitation Center in Charlton on Monday, May 30, 2011. His wife of 59 years, Delta Jean (Newman) Schur predeceased him on February 4, 2004. Dr. Schur is survived by his eleven children: Paul R. Schur and his wife Marilyn of New Braintree; David C. Schur and his wife Lynn of Hollis, NH; Jonathan W. Schur and his wife Sharon of Memphis, TN; Ruth N. Peterson and her husband Marc of Oxford; Timothy M. Schur and his wife Deborah of Dudley; Peter M. Schur and his wife Paula of Paxton; Stephen A. Schur and his wife Allison of Oxford; Mary E. Giguere of Pepperell; Joel T. Schur and his wife Loret of Sterling; Daniel J. Schur and his wife Amy of Westborough; Rhoda A. Decatur and her husband Thomas of Shrewsbury; eighteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He was born in Webster, the son of Robert O. and Alma L. (Gatzke) Schur. His two sisters, Mabel (Schur) Smith and Dorothy (Schur) Wykel predeceased him. He graduated from Bartlett High School in Webster in 1931 and attended Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, IN, from 1931-34, followed by postgraduate work at Middlesex University School of Medicine and Surgery in Waltham, MA, in 1940, completing residency at Milford, DE in 1941, and interning at Lutheran and Grace Hospitals in Cleveland, OH in 1942 where he met his future wife, Delta Jean Newman, a registered nurse. Dr. Schur worked tirelessly in community, medical and religious organizations throughout his entire life. Locally, he served as a member of the Oxford School Committee for 25 years, the board of directors for the French River Education Center, the New England Huguenot Society, the Oxford/Millbury Rotary and the Sacarrappa Tennis Club. Dr. Schur proudly served as school physician for Bay Path Regional from its opening day in 1972 until 2005 and also, as the Town of Oxford school physician until his retirement at the age of 95. Dr. Schur was the last surviving founder of Doctors Hospital in Worcester serving continuously on the board of directors from 1947 through its transition to AdCare Hospital in 1987 and until his death. Medical memberships included Fellow American Academy General Practice, American Academy Family Physicians, member American Medical Association, Massachusetts Medical Society, American Geriatrics Association, New England Obstetrics-gynecology Society and Worcester District Medical Society. Dr. Schur was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church of Oxford serving on the church council and board of trustees. He was well recognized throughout New England as well as nationally for his membership with the Atlantic District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and with the East Coast and New England Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. He was past chairman of the Lutheran Hour Operating Committee, trustee of the East Coast Synod and a member of the national board of directors. Dr. Schur served from 1969 until 1999 on the board of directors at Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, IN where he remained active until just recently. Calling hours will be Friday, June 3, 2011, from 4-8 p.m. at ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH, 70 S. Main St., Oxford. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2011, at Zion Lutheran Church, Oxford with Pastors Kenneth Bean, John Nieman, and Susan Nachtigal officiating. The burial will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church, Outdoor Chapel Fund, 70 S. Main St. Oxford, MA, 01540, to the Dr. Walter R. Schur Community Service Scholarship in care of the French River Education Center, 672 Main St., P.O. Box 476, North Oxford, MA 01537, or to the Valparaiso University, 1100 Campus Drive South, Loke Hall, Valparaiso, IN 46383. Paradis Funeral Home in Oxford is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.