Dorothy Mae Kahkonen

January 23 , 1941 - February 24 , 2018

VISITATIONS:

SERVICES:

Memorial ServiceSaturday, March 10, 201811:00 AMZion Lutheran Church1501 W. Liberty RoadAnn Arbor, MI 48103

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Obituary

Dr. Dorothy (Dottie) M. Kahkonen, M.D., beloved family member and physician, born January 23, 1941, passed away in her sleep on February 24, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents, William W. Kahkonen, Dorthay (Estes) Kahkonen Badali and by her brother William D. Kahkonen and step father, Sam Badali. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Elaine Kahkonen, Niece Keena (Russell) Sawdy, nephew William E. (Maria) Kahkonen, great-nieces and great-nephews: Emilee, Meghan, Zoie, Zackary and Justin and dear friend Tom Plasman. Dr. Dorothy (Dottie) Kahkonen spent the entirety of her illustrious career at Henry Ford Hospital. Raised in Romulus, Michigan, after completing an internship year in California, she came back to the Detroit area in 1966 to complete her residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Metabolic Diseases at Henry Ford. Immediately after graduation in 1970, Dr. Kahkonen was brought on as a senior staff physician in Endocrinology and Metabolism. In addition to her outstanding clinician educator and clinical research activities, Dottie showed excellent leadership abilities. These strong characteristics led to her being named Division Head of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism in 1996, a position she held until her retirement in 2006. Upon her retirement, a lectureship was created in her name, and the Dorothy M. Kahkonen, MD (DMK) lecture continues to be presented annually during the Medical Grand Rounds lecture series. During her long distinguished career, she was given special recognition for “Leadership and Untiring Dedication” by Wayne County Medical Society of Southeast Michigan (May 23, 2007) and the Professional Achievement Award by Wayne County Medical Society (May 19, 2010). She served Wayne County Medical Society as Resolutions Committee Chair and Medical Society Delegate to Michigan State Medical Society. She also sat on WCMSSM’S Executive Council. Additionally, she served as Vice Speaker of the House, Speaker of the House Delegate and President of Michigan State Medical Society. She served on its board of directors, was a member of the Legislative CME Committees, she sat on the Programming & Annual Scientific Planning Committee, and served as Michigan State Medical Society’s Foundation Chair. She was Delegate and Alternate Delegate for the American Medical Association. She was a member of the following professional societies: American Diabetes Association (President) American College of Physicians, Fellow American Heart Association Council on Arteriosclerosis, Fellow. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, March 10, 2018, 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan with luncheon to follow. Dorothy’s family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association of the American Cancer Society. Dorothy was a tireless physician, a generous friend and loving family member. Those who knew and loved her are thankful for her presence in this world and will miss her forever.

Condolences

I went to high school with Dorothy, and during our senior year, she sat across from me in study hall. During that time of my life, I was not a very good student. I didn't study, and about the only thing that I was any good at and really loved was music and playing the trombone. I thought that I would never go to college, nor would I do anything with music. While we sat across from each other, she helped me with some of my homework, and we got to know each other a little better. In the process of all this, she kept encouraging me to raise my standards. She kept saying, "You can do it!", and told me to go after what I really wanted. She was always positive with me. After high school, I joined the Navy. When I got out, I enrolled at Wayne State and received a BA and MA in music education, and then taught instrumental music for 32 years, and in fact am still playing music. I really believe that Dorothy's chats with me, trying to inspire and encourage me to try, had a very positive effect on my life, and I am forever grateful for that. I doubt very much if Dorothy would ever have remembered any of this, or if she would have remembered me for that matter, but I have always remembered her and her encouragement. I believe that she is at least part of what ever good that did with my life. In my mind, Dorothy Kahkonen is and was a great lady. Thank you Dorothy and God Bless. Richard Boelter Richard Boelter
So sorry to hear of Dorothy's passing. She was a good person and a good friend. We will miss her. Mike and Clara Smith
Dr. Kahkonen lead colleagues with grace and candor, and genuine sincerity. All of us can appreciate and seek to replicate. Her ascendence is a given, but her loss her will be felt by all who have known her. Her legacy is a model for all physicians. STEVEN E NEWMAN
She leaves an exceptional legacy of service and productivity in organized medicine. Her legacy as a beloved and devoted physician is at least as great. What a pleasure it has been to know her and work along side. May God bless and recieve this great lady. BILLY
I am deeply saddened to learn of Dottie's passing. I got to know her early in my career through our involvement in the Michigan State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. As skillful as she was navigating the waters of organized medicine, some of my fondest memories are when we donned our Red Wings jerseys and took a break from the the meetings to cheer on team. She was a kind soul. I, too, was lucky to have known her. Pino Colone
I am deeply saddened to learn of Dottie's passing. I got to know her early in my career through our involvement in the Michigan State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. As skillful as she was navigating the waters of organized medicine, some of my fondest memories are when we donned our Red Wings jerseys and took a break from the the meetings to cheer on our team. She was a kind soul who would always greet you with a smile. I, too, was lucky to have known her. Pino
Dorothy Mae was not only a part of my extended "Bracher Family" but a colleague at Henry Ford when I was there in the 1977-1987 era as a Section Head for Clinical Neuropsychology. I gained a great appreciation of her skills in connection with an NIH research study we did with her section on diabetes control and complications. Unstinting regard for women physicians has been a long-coming honor due. Dorothy Mae did not wait to show its obviousness. Her warm, wise, and welcoming presence was also a constant for me in the (now too very few) encounters we had at family events. She was also a constant resource for my late wife, Carol Bracher Adams. God Bless Ken Adams
I was so sad to hear of Dottie's passing. She was one of the finest physicians we ever had at Henry Ford, and was so supportive of our leadership team during challenging times. Her intellect, commitment to her profession and to Detroit, and her kind heart will live on in the hearts and minds of the countless patients, physicians, nurses and support staff she touched, taught and cared for. I feel fortunate to have known her. Nancy Schlichting
Dr. Kahkonen was my teacher. She was a brilliant physician and a very compassionate person. I still see her patients and they loved her. Such a great role model for all of us. A pioneer in her own right. She will be missed. Arti Bhan
Such a gifted physician. So grateful that she chose the HFMG and Henry Ford Health System as her professional home. She made our System a better place with her gifts. Bob Riney
Dottie Kahkonen was a gifted physician and lovely person. I feel honored to have known her through working at Henry Ford Hospital. She will be missed. Dorothy Nelson