Dr. Rudolf Winkelbauer, a retired obstetrician-gynecologist from Brunswick who ushered thousands of babies into the world, died Monday. He was 88.
Dr. Winkelbauer operated a private practice in obstetrics and gynecology on Baribeau Drive in Brunswick for more than 30 years. He retired around 1996.
He was remembered Monday as a dedicated, “old school” doctor who always made time for his patients. His daughter, Lori Parkinson of Kennebunk, said the family’s number was listed in the phone book, and her father’s patients would call the house at all hours for his help.
“He was very much available to his patients,” she said. “He was very hands-on. He was well liked. He was very good at what he did.”
Dr. Winkelbauer grew up in Vienna, Austria, the youngest of four children. He completed four years of medical school in Austria, then immigrated to the United States and finished his postgraduate training in 1952 at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas. There, he met Marion Fahey and married her in 1954. The couple raised two daughters.
Around 1960, the family moved to Brunswick, where he established his practice.
Dr. Winkelbauer was well-known throughout the Brunswick area. Parkinson said her father was also known for his love of dogs. He had a passion for the sport of dog field-trialing. He imported several dogs from England and Ireland, including Bonnie, a Blackfield pointer, and an English Sharnberry Red Bracken setter. He also loved German short-haired pointers.
“Growing up, we always had two dogs, … sometimes three or four. They were a big part of our lives,” Parkinson said.
Dr. Winkelbauer was an avid hunter and outdoorsman who hunted pheasants and quail. Parkinson said her father also was a skilled skeet shooter and enjoyed spending time at Varney’s Clay Sports in Richmond.
“He was an ace shot,” she said.
Dr. Winkelbauer also had an interest in family history. Last year, he attended a family reunion in Vienna and in the Czech Republic that drew about 130 people. Parkinson said the family gathered at the house he grew up in, which is now a cultural institute owned by the French government.
“They kindly allowed us to have our event there. It was the first time back for many of the descendants,” his daughter said. “It was wonderful.”
Dr. Winkelbauer’s health had recently declined. About four months ago, he went to live in the Cadigan Lodge at The Highlands in Topsham. Parkinson said her father had delivered some of the staff members. She said he enjoyed visiting with people from all parts of his life.
“It was interesting…as he was declining, I was getting to know him again,” his daughter said. “Being in the community, he got so much love and attention and hugs. Everywhere we turned, there was someone that had some dealing with him.”
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