John F. “Jack” Latenser, III
May 22, 1922 – December 31, 2020
Dr. John F. Latenser graduated from Central High School and inducted in the Hall of Fame and graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine.
He served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corp and a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center for over fifty years.
Although he comes from a family of architects (his grandfather John L. Latenser, Sr. designed Central High School) he chose medicine and started private practice in general surgery as a general surgeon and volunteer faculty member who saw private patients, made house calls, and rollerbladed every day.
Co-founder of American College of Mohs Micrographic Chemosurgery. (Dr. Frederick Mohs was the founder.)
Presented at the 21st annual meeting of the American College of Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology parts of a manuscript, “Power Drills to Fenestrate Exposed Bone to Stimulate Wound Healing.”
Procedures and skin cancer operations and holds patents on devices for relief of low back pain as well as for the prevention and healing of pressure sores on the feet and lower legs. He is a founding member of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, and founder of the Omaha Wound Care Club for Nurses and the Omaha Inventors Club. He was also a longtime Board member of Phoenix Academy and introduced phonics in the Omaha Public Schools under the direction of Dr. Mackiel, author of multiple medical/ surgical articles, member of the Philosophy Club and a Scout master.
Dr. Latenser retired from medical practice at the age of 85 and continued to rollerblade.
Thanks to the medical staff, and medical team for the wonderful care.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John L. Latenser Sr. and Anna Nestor Latenser; parents, John Latenser, Jr. and Anastasia B. Latenser; loving wife, Katharine Allison Latenser; sons, Charles William and John Latenser, IV; sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ruth Latenser Steffens & Dr. La Vern Steffens; brother: William Banks Latenser. He is survived by his children: Frank S. (Annie) Latenser, David Latenser, Allison (Lou Pachman) Latenser, Michael (Coleen) Latenser, Timothy Latenser; daughter-in-law Wayan; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many many friends.
VISITATION: Friday, January 8, 2021, 5:00-7:00PM, followed by VIGIL, 7:00PM, all at West Center Chapel.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday, January 9, 2021, 10:00AM, Christ the King Catholic Church. Interment with Military rites by Millard American Legion Post #374 & Millard VFW Post #8334, Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Latenser Mohs Micrographic Surgery Fund at the University of Nebraska Foundation, PO Box 82555, Lincoln NE 68508-2555 or online at www.nufoundation.org keyword: Latenser. Please designate “In Memory of John Latenser”
To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Service” button on the home page.
7 Comments
I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a great man and helped many people. Always a pleasure to work with in the Operating Room. Loved how he rollerbladed into his 80’s. May he Rest In Peace. You will be missed but NEVER forgotten. 🙏🏻❤️
This man impacted my life by his generosity in the OR. He actually took the time to teach me many things about first assisting a surgeon, especially when it came to suturing and knot tying!
I am very sad to hear about Doc’s passing. I loved that man! He was a great doctor, friend and treated my family like we were some of his favorite relatives.. RIP now Jack and I’m glad you are back home with Jesus and free of pain!. My Condolences to all you kids and sorry for your loss.
As the surgeon for the Glover./Hester Family he was one of the best. I had an emergency appendectomy at the age of (13) at the Old Immanuel Hospital. I will never forget his kind and gentle voice as he spoke to us regarding the surgery. I am (67) without a noticeable scar, In speaking with other patients that we referred it was the same, He was the only one in our eyes that we trusted to put us to sleep. Now that he is resting, we Thank God for the workmanship of his hands and the wisdom that he has left with the medical profession. Take your well deserved – REST- YOU WILL BE MISSED. ..
It was an incredible honor to get to spend time with Dr. Latanser over the last three years. He is a pioneer in medicine and cared for patients with incredible empathy and skill. His legacy and accomplishments are nothing short of amazing and he will be missed.
I offer my most sincere condolences to the Latenser family and friends and am with you all in spirit. Dr. Latenser was a giant among physicians, our community, and in the field of Mohs Micrographic Surgery. When I moved to Omaha just under 3 years ago to launch the new UNMC Department of Dermatology at the Med Center, the first thing on my desk, day 1, was a hand written letter of welcome from Dr. Latenser, from “one Mohs surgeon to another”. I immediately reached out, and over time, had the opportunity to get to know Dr. Latenser, Liz and Mike, and Dr. Latenser’s son Frank. Dr. Latenser shared so many remarkable stories about his life as a physician, teacher, and Mohs surgeon. Dr. Latenser was a brilliant, selfless, innovative, and all around wonderful human being. I am so grateful our paths have crossed as my life will forever be changed having known Dr. Latenser.
A long life, well lived. Rest in Peace faithful servant!
Sign Guestbook