In Memoriam: John Thomas Ylvisaker, MD (March 28, 1944- January 5, 2024)

John Thomas (Tom) Ylvisaker was born and raised in Golden Valley, Minnesota. He attended Golden Valley High School, St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota (where he met his future wife Billie Locklin Ylvisaker,) and Medical School at the University of Minnesota.

Throughout Tom's life, he led with kindness and empathy. He was a man of deep faith, serving as a Deacon and Elder at his church, listening with empathy and wisdom as a Lay Counselor, interacting with people from various countries and cultures in his mission work, and showing up when anyone needed him. He was gentle and patient, someone friends and family knew they could go to for a hug or a listening ear. As "Dad" and "Papa" he dedicated time each night to read and pray with his children. He made sure his daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren knew how proud he was of each of them and how he treasured them.

Tom did his Internship and Residency in Internal Medicine and a Fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Washington and served 2 years in the US Army. In 1977, he joined Group Health Cooperative (now Kaiser) where he practiced until retiring in 2012. He also held a faculty position as a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington. Tom was adored by his patients for taking time to really listen to them and greatly respected and admired by his colleagues for his skills and knowledge. He was a master at making meaningful connections, both personally and professionally. His positive outlook and inviting smile welcomed those around him.

Tom is survived by his wife of 55 years Billie; 4 daughters, Amy Miller (Kurt), Kristin Stewart (Michael), Laura Cooper (Corban), and Rebecca Ylvisaker (Gilberto); 13 grandchildren, 2 granddaughters-in-law, and 2 great granddaughters; his brother Richard Ylvisaker (JoAnne); 2 nieces and a nephew, as well as many beloved cousins.

A memorial service will be held in the Pavilion at Emerald Heights Retirement Community, 10901 176th Circle NE, Redmond, WA, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 10. Guest parking is limited at Emerald Heights, however there will be a shuttle service provided to/from Redmond High School.