Dr. F. Brueckmann

F. Robert (Bob) Brueckmann, M.D., F.A.C.S. was born in Chicago, Illinois to Ambie Mosely Brueckmann and Frank G. Brueckmann on August 4, 1929. Bob died peacefully on August 20, 2012 after a long illness. He grew up in Hammond, Indiana with his younger brother, John, and cherished bulldog, Peggy. In high school, he quarterbacked for the Hammond Wildcats. After high school, he attended Indiana University where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and Alpha Omega Alpha, a Medical Scholastic Honor Society. He earned his undergraduate degree in 1950 in Anatomy and Physiology. He then enrolled in Indiana University School of Medicine where he earned his M.D. in 1954. On June 23, 1951, he married his college sweetheart, Betty Lee Larson. They had many adventures as a young couple. They lived in Sunnyside Tuberculosis Sanatorium where he externed for three years. After graduating from medical school in 1954, they moved to Chicago where Bob interned at Cook County Hospital. From 1955 to 1957, they were stationed in Livorno, Italy where Bob, a captain, worked as a radiologist for the United States Army Medical Corps. Here Bob and Betty Lee developed their love of travel, and saw as much of Europe as they could at that time. From 1958 to 1962, Bob did his Residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at Indiana University in Indianapolis. Then in 1962, Bob and his partner Donald Blackwell founded Orthopaedics Indianapolis, now known as Ortho Indy. This was his life's work and his legacy. He had many academic and hospital appointments. He was Assistant, Associate, and Clinical Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Indiana University from 1962 to the present, and Instructor, Medicine in Physical Therapy, from 1992-1993. He was a Visiting Professor in Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Djakarta, Indonesia. He worked at Methodist, Wishard Memorial, St. Vincent's, Winona, and Hendricks Community Hospitals. Bob was passionate about medicine, and was involved in numerous professional societies. He was a member of the American Medical Association, the Indiana State Medical Association, the Marion County Medical Association, the American College of Surgeons, the Indiana Committee on Trauma, the American Fracture Association (Board of Governors, Vice President, President, and Program Chairman), American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Rheumatism Association, Indiana Orthopaedic Society, Clinical Orthopaedic Society (Program Chairman, Membership Committee, Membership Committee Chairman, Second President-Elect, President), Indiana Bone and Joint Club (President), Great Lakes Orthopaedic Club (President), Orthopaedic Trauma Association, Orthopaedic Letters Club, International Society for Fracture Repair, and the Indianapolis Orthopaedic Club. Bob enjoyed many hobbies that kept him learning. He dabbled in photography, carmel candy making, wine making (where he grew his own grapes and elderberries), sailing, woodworking, and computers. He was an avid member of Scientech Club where he held several leadership positions. He was a member of the Rotary Club and the Wood Turners' Club. Bob may have played football in high school, but he and Betty Lee loved basketball! He was the Pacer's team doctor both in the ABA and the NBA. This was a position he held for more than 30 years. He rarely missed a game. Bob was equally passionate about his family. He and his wife of 61 years have six children: Melanie Thompson (Douglas), Jennifer Johnson (Greg), Brad Brueckmann (Laura), and Beth Carney (Jay). He loved his ten grandchildren and felt blessed to live near them so that he was able to take part in their lives. They are: Caitlin Thompson Skinner (James), Erin Thompson Fitz (Gabe), Adam and Morgan Johnson, Erik, Heidi, and Kirstin Brueckmann, and Liesl, Hayden, and Faith Carney. Bob has one great grandchild, Ella Skinner. His children, Douglas and Dawn Brueckmann, parents, and brother preceded him in death. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 22, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Flanner and Buchanan-Zionsville and one hour prior to the funeral service at 3 p.m. on Thursday, August 23 also at Flanner and Buchanan-Zionsville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana Methodist Children's Home, PO Box 747, Lebanon, IN 46052 or Scientech Club, C/O Mr. Paul McLear, 11369 Royal Place, Carmel, IN 46032. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan