Dr. Paul Gustav Killenberg, 70, a long-time leading member of the Duke medical faculty, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at Duke Hospital.
During his 36 years at Duke, Dr. Killenberg established himself as a national leader in the diagnosis and treatment of liver disease. In 1985, Dr. Killenberg helped create Duke's Liver Transplant Program- the first in North Carolina.
While his contributions in the field of liver disease were many, he said his proudest professional accomplishment was the training of hundreds of medical students, residents and fellows. In 2002, the Division of Gastroenterology created the Paul G. Killenberg Medical Teaching award and named him the first recipient.
Dr. Killenberg was named Professor Emeritus of Medicine by the Duke University Medical Center and served as Ombudsman for the University. In 2006, he was honored with the Duke Medical Alumni Association's Distinguished Faculty Award.
Dr. Killenberg earned an undergraduate degree from Yale University in 1959 and a medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1963. He interned and was chief medical resident at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH.
He served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, earning the Bronze Star for service in Vietnam.
Dr. Killenberg was a member of Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Durham; was involved in prison ministry; and served as church Moderator and Trustee.
His volunteer service to the Durham community included Durham System of Care, Housing for New Hope, and Boy Scout Troop 458. For his leadership of the Emergency Energy Fund, he received a volunteer of the year award.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Melinda; son, Christopher and wife, Susan; son, Timothy and wife, Dawn; daughter, Jennifer and husband, Graham; grandchildren: Sam, Eva, Jordan, Parker, Gordon and Mason; sister, Doris and husband, Bob; and sister-in-law, Nancy.
A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, July 26, 2008, from Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 3011 Academy Rd. in Durham. The Reverend Dr. Ginger Brasher-Cunningham will preside.
Friends may visit with the family at a reception in the church following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pilgrim United Church of Christ, Housing for New Hope, 18 W. Colony Place, Durham, NC 27705; or Plowshares Institute, P.O. Box 243, Simsbury, CT 06070.
On-line memorials can be posted at www.hallwynne.com. Select obituaries.
Arrangements are under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service.