John W. LaBree, M.D. (1917-2009)
Dean of Duluth Medical School, 1975-1980

LaBree, Dr. John W. age 92, of Edina, MN, passed away Aug. 1, 2009. Memorial service will be Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009 at 12:00 Noon, visitation 30 minutes prior to the service at Lakewood Cemetery Chapel, Minneapolis, MN. Memorials are preferred for the Duluth Legends and Leaders Scholarship at the U of MN Duluth Medical School. Call 218.726.7376 for details or click here to make a gift online: www.mmf.umn.edu/giveto/dmll

Dr. LaBree was the second Dean of the relatively new UMD Medical School. His tenure was marked by the growth of the student body from 36 to 48 students, faculty growth, and the school’s relocation to a new building on the UMD campus. According to his spouse, Anne, he was most pleased with his successful search for philanthropy and grants that would fund research of the faculty who taught basic sciences. The Duluth Medical School’s mission is to educate students who will practice in rural communities, and Dr. LaBree dedicated one afternoon a week to seeing patients in Floodwood, MN.

After five years as Dean in Duluth, Dr. LaBree was appointed Assistant Vice President of Health Sciences by the University Regents and was responsible for coordinating health sciences outreach programs between the University and physicians around the State.

Before his career in Duluth, Dr. LaBree was a cardiologist and one of the founders of the Park Nicollet Medical Center in St. Louis Park, MN. He also was the Director of Medical Education for St. Mary's Hospital, Minneapolis, MN. He is known for starting the first heart catheterization in Minnesota which he integrated into his practice at Park Nicollet.

In 1990, Dr. LaBree received the University of Minnesota’s Outstanding Achievement Award. Conferred by the Board of Regents, it is the University’s highest honor for its graduates and recognizes them for serving their professions, their communities, the nation, and the world.

After retiring, Dr. LaBree joined with Carl Platou, former CEO of Fairview Hospital, and others to create a graduate program in health management at the University of St. Thomas specifically designed for physicians. The program was among the pioneers in combining classroom and online education.

Dr. LaBree also was President of the Minnesota Heart Association, 1971-1973; President of the Hennepin County Medical Society, 1974-1975; and Fellow of the American College of International Medicine and Cardiology. In 1979, he and Anne traveled to China and Africa with the People to People Citizen Ambassador Programs created by former President Dwight Eisenhower. Citizen Ambassadors interact with other professionals from around the world and engage in cultural activities, seminars, and humanitarian efforts.

John is survived by his wife, Anne, eight children and many grandchildren. He is preceded in death by daughter, Karen Anne McCarthy.