George "Doc" Harlan Roenning

George "Doc" Harlan Roenning, 79, of the Town of Sevastopol, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on Saturday, October 19, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, humility, and dedication.

Born in Maryland on October 14,1945 to George William Roenning and Charlotte Louise (Shaffer) Roenning, George lived a life rich in family, service, and adventure. He was raised in New Jersey and spent memorable summers in Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, fishing in the creek and working on his beloved Uncle Fred Shaffer's farm, igniting his lifelong love for the outdoors. He attended Blair Academy for high school and studied chemistry at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Bucknell, he married Barbara Gray (who preceded him in death). Eager to serve and explore, George enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam era and deployed to Alaska as a medical administrator, an experience that combined his passion for helping others with his adventurous spirit.

Upon returning from Alaska, he attended medical school at Rutgers in New Brunswick, New Jersey and became a father to his cherished daughter, Laura. His residency at the University of Wisconsin-Madison brought the Roenning family to Wisconsin, where his son, Eric, was born in 1978. A year later, George began his long and fulfilling career at North Shore Medical Clinic and Door County Memorial Hospital (now Door County Medical Center) in Sturgeon Bay.

George dedicated over 30 years to medicine as a family physician, delivering babies for the first 10 years before retiring in 2012. His compassionate care and leadership led him to roles such as Medical Director of the Dorchester and Director of Patient Care at the Door County Medical Center. Renowned for his meticulous attention to patient feedback and concerns, he also mentored young doctors and served as a trusted recruiter in his field. In the small community he loved, George remained deeply committed to improving the lives of his patients and colleagues.

George understood that the unexpected was part of life's journey. After losing his first wife, Barbara, in 1988 and Laura and Eric losing their mother, he faced an uncertain new path. As a devoted father, George focused on providing his children with a life full of their own adventures, often centered around the great outdoors.

It was during a ski trip that George's journey led him to meet Kristi Schreiner on the slopes of Ski Brule, where they immediately formed a connection. In 1991, George and Kristi married and created a family that included her son, Fred, and daughter, Olivia. One of George's greatest joys was seeing their families not only come together but also grow to love and care for one another as a true family.

George was a consummate outdoorsman who spent countless days fishing and hunting with friends and family, especially at the treasured family cottage in Minocqua. He was also a runner, cyclist, skier, and a dedicated fan of the Badgers, Packers, and Brewers. George could often be found on the sideline, court, and wrestling mat of local high school sporting events with his (medical) bag in the car, ready to step in and help if needed.

George's interests extended beyond medicine and the outdoors. He was a voracious reader with a deep love for music, especially Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody", vegetable gardener, and a member of the Peninsula Singers. He also volunteered as an usher for TAP and the Peninsula Players.

Despite his many health challenges, George lived his life fully with resilience, always putting others first. He deeply loved his family, his work and the community around him. He will be remembered for his humility, warmth, generosity, and zest for life.

He will be missed by his beloved wife, Kristi; his children, Laura (Tony Stahl) Murray, Eric (Andrea) Roenning, Fred (Nicole) Schreiner, and Olivia (Justin Witte) Schreiner; his grandchildren, Dylan, Henry, Michael, Tekla, Lieve, and Pearl; and a wide circle of family and friends who will miss him dearly.

George was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Barbara; his sister, Linda Roe; and other relatives.

May his memory bring peace.

Visitation for family and friends will be held after 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Huehns Funeral Home, 1414 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 with a time of remembrance to begin at 11:30 a.m. Military honors by the United States Army and Weber-Tess AMVETS Post 51 will follow at Noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Crossroads at Big Creek (P.O. Box 608, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235; www.crossroadsatbigcreek.org); Door County Medical Center Foundation (P.O. Box 230, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235; www.dcmedical.org/foundation); or the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (www.trcp.org/donate).

Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of George may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.HuehnsFuneralHome.com.

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