Dr. Kenneth R. Dorner

DORNER, Dr. Kenneth R.
of Kalamazoo, Michigan Passed away Monday evening, April 15, 2013 in Grand Rapids. Dr. Dorner was born November 15, 1931 in Hildreth, Nebraska the son of Edgar and Ethel Beckenhauer Dorner. He was a veteran serving in the U.S. Navy. Dr. Dorner obtained his bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan in 1953. He subsequently enrolled in the University of Michigan Medical School where he earned his medical degree. He served both a surgical internship and externship at the University of Nebraska, followed by a surgical preceptorship in Tocooa, Georgia from 1957-58. He was inducted into the US Navy in Bethesda, MD, and then located to the Philadelphia area where he completed his surgical residency and national boards in general surgery. He began his plastic and reconstructive surgical training at the University of Pittsburg, which he completed in 1967 when he moved to Lansing, where he remained for one year before settling permanently in Kalamazoo. Dr. Dorner was in private practice his entire career in Kalamazoo and was affiliated with both Bronson and Borgess hospitals. He was a member of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, the Aesthetic Society, the Michigan Academy of Plastic Surgeons, and the American Medical Association. In addition, he was actively involved in local and statewide cleft lip and cleft palate organizations throughout his professional life. Dr. Dorner was a caring physician and became a doctor out of his passion and desire to help and care for others. Dr. Dorner was a self-taught tennis enthusiast all his adult life. He won many regional and national doubles titles. This hobby continued even through January of this year, a hobby where his closest friendships were formed. He also enjoyed sailing for many years at Gull Lake, including racing on weekends which involved all three of his sons, each serving on separate occasions as first mate to their dad, the Captain. Other hobbies and interests included photography member of the local Leica camera club, RC model airplanes, golf, basketball, and music. He was an avid ragtime piano fan and an accomplished self-taught pianist. On June 14, 1953, Dr. Dorner was united in marriage to his loving wife, the former Nancy Willbrandt, who survives. Also surviving are his sons, Jeffrey Mark Archer Dorner, David Stephanie Dorner, Brian Nancy Dorner; 6 grandchildren, Annabelle, Gabriel, Aaron, Andrew, Dean, and Brooke; a sister, Nancy John George; and several nieces and nephews. Dr. Dorner was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Robert Dorner. A service to celebrate Dr. Dorner's life will be held at 12:00 Friday, April 19, at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street with Rev. Don DeYoung officiating. Friends may meet the family Thursday from 5-8 pm and Friday from 11-12 pm prior to the service. Interment will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Kalamazoo Christian Schools Association.