Dr. Stanley Hellerstein, a Denver native who pioneered the field of pediatric nephrology, passed away March 7, 2014, at his home in Kansas City. He was 87.
Born Oct. 3, 1926, in Denver, he was the 10th child of Ida and Meyer Hellerstein. His older siblings were Goldie, Lou, Mayme, Jerome, Evelyn, Lillian, Gertrude, Bernadine and Rosamond.
He earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from CU and did his internship and residency in pediatrics in Indianapolis.
Dr. Hellerstein then settled in Kansas City, Mo., with his wife Edith Levy, whom he met at a USO dance in Washington, DC, during WW II.
Married for 61 years, Edith predeceased her husband.
Following a fellowship in pediatric research, Dr. Hellerstein briefly entered private practice before joining the staff of Childrens Mercy Hospital in 1963.
Dr. Hellerstein, whose distinguished career lasted nearly five decades, was an important member of the hospitals leadership.
He contributed significantly to pediatric research, trained many physicians and improved the health and lives of tens of thousands of patients.
While at Childrens Mercy, Dr. Hellerstein pioneered the field of pediatric nephrology to treat children with kidney diseases. He also established a clinic for children with Sickle Cell Disease.
He served as president of the medical staff at Childrens Mercy, director of medical education, and was honored with many awards for excellence in research and teaching.
Dr. Hellerstein is survived by his children Joseph Hellerstein of Seattle, Wash., Alice (Michael) Raanan of Potomac, MD, and Ann (Samuel Belkin) Hellerstein of Rockville, MD; and grandchildren Myra and Toba Hellerstein, Gabriella and Joshua Raanan, and Daniel, Mitchell and Melanie Belkin.
Contributions may be made in Dr. Hellersteins memory to the nephrology section of Childrens Mercy Hospital, 2401 Gillham Rd., Kansas City, MO 64108.
Copyright © 2014 by the Intermountain Jewish News
