Dr. Henry Sosin Obituary (1930 - 2009)

Henry Sosin was born March 15, 1930 in Hammond, Indiana to Ben and Leah Sosin. The youngest of four brothers, Henry excelled in both athletics and academics. Following graduation from Male High School and the University of Louisville, Henry attended the University of Louisville Medical School where he earned his M.D. It was during that time, he met and married artist Georgette Madeleine Heyman. After an internship at the University of Minnesota, he was called to serve as a physician in the United States Air Force Western Air Defense. Dr. Sosin returned to the University of Minnesota to complete a M.A. in Physiology and PH.D in Surgery under Owen H. Wangensteen. There, he practiced surgery, conducted research, and taught, mentoring hundreds of medical students over a decade of service. Post academia, Dr. Sosin opened a Minneapolis-based private practice. In 1985, he partnered with Dr. Michael Schwartz establishing General and Vascular Surgery Consultants where he worked until retiring in 1995. In the years that followed, Henry became known to many as a potter, creating hand-built clay vessels at Sosin/Sosin Studio Gallery where he and Georgette shared work and exhibition space. Henry possessed an insatiable curiosity about the cosmos, and sought the study of physics, philosophy, science, and their connection to daily life. He loved to ski, fish, spend time with his grandchildren, sail, play tennis and a variety of card games. Henry and Georgette were married 54 years, and raised four children; Michelle, Madeleine, Danielle and Phillip. On Friday, May 22, 2009, Henry lost his life to cancer. His gentle hands healed the sick, created lasting beauty, held and marveled at the gifts of nature, and nurtured a loving family. His healing energy lives on in those who cherish him. Henry is preceded in death by his parents Ben and Leah Sosin, his brothers, Saul, Bernard, and Louis. He is survived by his wife Georgette, his beloved children Michelle Sosin (Lanie), Madeleine Sosin Rocha, Danielle Sosin, Phillip Sosin (Elizabeth), and grandchildren Claire Sosin Gordon, Tait Sosin Trautman, Marc and Ben Sosin. Services will be held TUESDAY, May 26th, 1:00 PM, at TEMPLE ISRAEL, 2324 Emerson Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN. 55405. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family requests donations in honor of Dr. Henry Sosin to the University of Minnesota Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship Program. Please designate contributions to: Minnesota Medical Foundation Fund #1368. Mailing address: M.M.F. #1368, 200 Oak St. S.E. Suite 300 Minneapolis, MN. 55455