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2020
Dr. Lyle Eugene Wacaser 1932 - 2020
Springfield, IL—Retired Neurosurgeon Dr. Lyle Eugene Wacaser, loving husband, and father of four children, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, August 14, 2020 at the age of 87.
Lyle was born on November 9, 1932 to Paul and Helen (Keyes) Wacaser in Lovington, Illinois. He grew up on a small family farm and attended Lovington High School where he graduated as Class President and Valedictorian.
He left Lovington and attended the University of Illinois earning a bachelor's degree in science. In 1957, Lyle received his medical degree from the University of Illinois in Chicago. He was member of Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Eta Sigma, Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha, plus others.
After an internship at Presbyterian Hospital (now Rush Medical Center) in Chicago, he went on to complete his neurosurgical residency at the University of Illinois. He spent the following year as a fellow at the International College of Surgeons in Gothenburg, Sweden under the famous neurovascular surgeon Dr. Norlene.
Lyle returned to Springfield, Illinois to join Dr. Floyd Barringer's Neurosurgical practice. He practiced neurosurgery for several years in Springfield, Illinois until he entered the US Army Medical Corps in Vietnam in 1967. He entered the army as a Major and was honorably discharged as a Lt. Colonel. Lyle was stationed at the 95th Evac hospital near DeNang. There he met Dr. Dung Le who he mentored in Neurosurgery. They become lifelong friends, and Lyle made many trips back to Vietnam both for humanitarian missions and to visit his friend, Dr. Le. His last visit was in 2017.
After Lyle returned to Springfield in 1970, he went into private practice first with his brother Dr. Larry Wacaser and later with his
wife Dr. Constance Kayser. He retired in 2000. He was a highly respected and much loved Neurosurgeon. He served as Chairman of the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery at Springfield Memorial Medical Center for many years, as well as serving on the faculty of SIU Medical School. He was a member of AMA, CNS and AANS.
Lyle was well known in Springfield for his playful and mischievous ways. In the 1970's the local radio and newspaper enjoyed reporting on sightings of him driving his bright blue pickup truck that had a sign entitled "Lyle Wacaser, MD. Neurosurgery and Light Hauling".
In addition, and to the chagrin of his family, he never met a boat he couldn't sink, a sports car he couldn't roll, a plane he couldn't put into a spiral, fly into a thunderstorm, or even parachute out of.… nor an item that could not be fixed with duct tape.
He also kept a magnificent vegetable garden, was an avid fisherman (world's best) and world traveler. Lyle visited many countries on six continents.
His friends and family will never forget his wicked sense of humor, incredible intelligence, and unending sense of fun.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Constance Kayser; children, Kathy (Mick) Hawken, Melissa James, and Lyle (AJ) Wacaser; stepdaughter, Cid Hart; his sister, Ellen Wacaser Keyes; 8 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and 9 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Lawrence and Deane Wacaser, and son Kurt Wacaser.
Services are postponed until the pandemic restrictions are lifted and will be announced at a later date. Services are being provided by McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Lovington, IL.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by McMullin-Young Funeral Home.
I had the privilege of working with and caring for he and his wife´s patients. Dr. Wacaser also operated and literally saved my mother from dying from a cerebral abscess. My mother thoroughly enjoyed his humor and bedside manner, as well as his skill and dedication which he treated so many of his patients with compassion and care.
Mark Hensley Turner
Work
December 28, 2021
I am sorry to hear of his passing but glad he lived a long life. My respect and admiration of him for all he did and all the lives he touched is great. I was a new nurse but 11 years of nursing in neurology was life changing. Lyle, rest in peace.
Connie and family my condolences.
Alene Stottler Brown. (Ali)
January 12, 2021
Dr. Wacaser took my brother on a fishing trip with AJ. It was an adventure he always cherished. Thank you, for your kindness to him.
Kathleen Alcorn
September 18, 2020
God Bless You all. Thankyou, Connie, for all your love and care. My dad, George Wacaser, will be there to greet him I’m sure. He was among the many, many people who greatly admired and were cared for by Dr. Lyle. We thank him for his service in all areas of his life. He will be remembered and loved.
June Wacaser Morley
Family
September 17, 2020
Dr. Wacaser was definitely "one of a kind" in the best sense. I worked in the OR with him on many occasions. Not only was he a brilliant neurosurgeon, he was a very kind man. Thank you for the memories.
stacy wilson
Coworker
September 17, 2020
The great Doctor save my sister Wanda M Green if it wasn’t for him she would not be here today Thank you Dr Wacaser thank you so very much Vickie Flynn
Roebuck SC
Vickie flynn
Friend
September 17, 2020
I took Lyle back to Vietnam in 1997 for his first trip back since the war. He was reunited with Dr Le in DaNang. Lyle was an incredible doctor and saved many lives both during and after the war. God bless him and his family.
Mike Meyer
Friend
September 17, 2020
Proud to have known Lyle as a friend and brother in-law. . We had lots of great memories at the Indy 500 races and many great times at the Kayser’s. I’ll miss you Lyle Ole Buddy.
Kathy Kayser
Family
September 16, 2020
I have many fond and interesting memories of working with Dr. Wacaser in the MMC OR. He was one of the best in his field and truly cared for his patients. He was definitely one of a kind and will be greatly missed. My condolences and prayers to his family at this time of loss.
Liz Miner
Coworker
September 16, 2020
Outstanding neurosurgeon and great personal friend. We will miss his presence.
Joseph J. Maurer M.D.
Friend
September 16, 2020
I never knew Lyle until Lou Smargessi told me about him .Louie was the founder and owner of the Supper Club where Lyle patronized.Lyle was the type of guy I'd like to have known.
Don Kuhn
Friend
September 16, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Evelyn Hildebrand
September 16, 2020
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