Hy Paisner

Dr. Hy Paisner passed away on February 9, 2024 at the age of 96. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 72 years, Sheila Sigesmund Paisner of Golden Valley, MN.

Dr. Paisner was born in Winnipeg and raised in the small town of Rossburn, located in northern Manitoba, Canada. It was during his youth when he discovered his love of learning and reading. By age 16, he was admitted to the University of Manitoba and two years later, he entered medical school and soon thereafter met the love of his life, Sheila. Dr. Paisner was just 23 years old when he graduated medical school with honors, got married and moved to the rural plains of Estevan, Saskatchewan where he spent eight years as a general practitioner.

In 1959, Dr. Paisner relocated his family to Minneapolis to do a residency in otolaryngology at the University of Minnesota (UM). He later served as associate professor at the UM Medical School in the same specialty until 2001, during which time his students voted him best lecturer in the 1960s. Among his other credentials, Dr. Paisner was a Fellow of American College of Surgeons (FACS) and a Fellow of the American College of Plastic Surgeons (FACPS). But it was the Minneapolis Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, which he founded in 1962 at the Physicians and Surgeons Building, where he devoted himself to treating his loyal patients for 40 years. What began as a solo practice soon became a partnership when Dr. Melvin Sigel joined him in 1964. The practice grew and eventually moved to 2211 Park Avenue in Minneapolis, and today it operates as the Ear, Nose & Throat Specialty Care of Minnesota with 23 doctors.

In addition to his medical practice and lecturing at the UM Medical School, Dr. Paisner was a pivotal figure at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Minneapolis, where he served as Chief of Staff during the 1970s. Medical students were encouraged to do their rotations with Dr. Paisner to learn the fine art of practicing medicine while maintaining a warm bedside manner, an undeniable quality of Dr. Paisner.

While his years spent practicing medicine gave him great joy, Dr. Paisner was a man of many passions. He was an avid reader and a gardener par excellence. He had a flair for writing skits and doing crossword puzzles. And he loved playing tennis when he was younger and golf in his later years. Most of all, he loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them and his wide circle of lifelong friends, whether it was in his own home, at Oakridge Country Club, or in Palm Desert, CA, where he spent many winters.

Dr. Paisner's legacy as a doctor will undoubtedly endure. But most of all, he will be remembered as a loving family man, trusted and loyal friend, a supporter of his community, and for making each person around him feel uniquely special. His memory will be treasured and never forgotten.

In addition to his wife, Sheila, Dr. Paisner is survived by his beloved sons and daughters-in-law, Martin & Judy of Chicago, Barry & Charleen of Santa Fe, Joel & Liz of Seattle, and Richard & Jamie of Golden Valley; plus his nine precious grandchildren and their spouses as well as four great-grandchildren, Micah & Maggie, Jacques, Sage & Scarlett (Alita & Amelie), Raoul, Liesette & Alex (Niko & Isabelle), Natalie & Tom, Noah, Jasper and Sascha. Survivors also include nephew, Bradley Sigesmund (Jack), niece Lainie Etzioni, and extended family members, Mark & Wendy Bloom, Stuart & Carolyn Bloom, and Naomi Bloom, as well as 10 grandnieces and grandnephews.

Dr. Paisner was preceded in death by his parents, Mayer & Rachel Paisner; sister, Anne Katz; and parents-in-law, Henry & Lillian Sigesmund, all from Winnipeg; his brother-in-law, Arnold Sigesmund of Los Angeles; and cousins Dave & Arline Bloom of Golden Valley, MN.

The Paisner family extends their sincere gratitude to the dedicated caregivers who served Dr. Paisner in his final years, Carrie, Sabrina, Rejoice, Alberta, Star, Jennifer, Buster and Larry.

Funeral service 1:30 PM on TUESDAY, February 13, 2024 at TEMPLE ISRAEL, 2323 Fremont Ave. S. in Minneapolis; Shiva 7pm Tuesday at TEMPLE ISRAEL, 2323 Fremont Ave S. Minneapolis. Service will also be avalible on zoom at www.Hodroffs.com/HyPaisner
The family requests donations made in memory of Dr. Paisner be directed to the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota & the Dakotas, or to a charity of the donor's choice.