By Rebecca Goodman
The Cincinnati Enquirer

ANDERSON TOWNSHIP - When honored as a distinguished alumnus of Madeira High School, Dr. George H. Wierwille will be cited for outstanding service - which included delivering more than 8,000 babies in Greater Cincinnati.

He was scheduled to receive the honor along with his brothers, Dr. Walter W. Wierwille of Blacksburg, Va., and Roland Wierwille of Berea, Ky., during their alma mater's anniversary reunion next month.

But now, his brothers will accept it for him. Dr. Wierwille, 70, died of a stroke Monday at Mercy Hospital Anderson.

His was an American success story. Dr. Wierwille and his brothers were born to German immigrants who spoke no English when they came through Ellis Island in the early 1920s. Emma and George Wierwille both ended up in Cincinnati, where they met at the German Language School.

They cultivated in their children excellent character and a solid work ethic. All three of their sons put themselves through college.

Dr. Wierwille graduated from Madeira High School in 1951 and received a bachelor's degree in science from the University of Cincinnati in 1955.

He served as a lieutenant with the Army Artillery from 1955 to 1957.

After graduating from the University of Cincinnati Medical College in 1962, he completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Cincinnati General Hospital, then set up a private practice.

"The tradition in many families was to have Dr. George for their OB service," said his wife, Dorothy. "His philosophy for patient care was to take care of the problem right now if possible."

Dr. Wierwille practiced medicine and taught at General Hospital and University Hospital from 1967 until his retirement in 1993.

After retirement, his favorite activity was ballroom dancing. He also became a Life Master bridge player in four years and loved to golf with his buddies.

Dr. Wierwille was a member of Christ Church Cathedral and the Cincinnati Academy of Medicine.

In addition to his wife and brothers, survivors include two daughters, Sue Vilardo and Heidi Powis, both of Anderson Township; four sons, Ronald and Daniel, both of Anderson Township, George of Apalachin, N.Y., and Bryan of Houston; a sister, Carolyn Enrich of Clearwater, Fla.; and nine grandchildren.

Visitation is 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, followed by the funeral at Thomas-Justin Funeral Home, 7500 Montgomery Road, Kenwood. Burial is at Rest Haven Memorial Park, Evendale.

Memorials: American Diabetes Association, 8899 Brookside Ave., Suite 102, West Chester, OH 45069.

E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com