Dr. Richard Emil Lindseth, 86, beloved father, grandfather, and respected physician, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2021. Born on April 3, 1935 in Denver, CO, Dr. Lindseth journeyed across the country to study at Dartmouth College and spent his summers on a survey crew at Yellowstone National Park. After graduating from Dartmouth in 1957, he went on to attend the Harvard Medical School, graduating in 1960. He went on to serve as a medical officer for the U.S. Naval Reserves from 1962 to 1964, touring the Pacific and the Caribbean aboard ship. After leaving the military, he returned to civilian life and the love of his life, Marilyn, who he married in July of 1959.
Dr. Lindseth moved to Indianapolis in 1967 to accept positions with the Indiana University School of Medicine, James Whitcomb Riley Children’s Hospital, Richard L. Roudebush V.A. Medical Center, and Wishard Memorial Hospital (Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital). A pioneer in the field of pediatric orthopaedics surgery, his lifelong dedication to patient care and advancement of medical knowledge led to the publishing of more than a hundred conference abstracts, proceedings, and manuscripts. He served as Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, I.U. School of Medicine, from 1995-2001. In 2001, he was named the George J. Garceau Professor Emeritus of Pediatric Orthopaedics and continued to teach until his official retirement in 2003.
A dedicated gardener, learner, and world-traveler, Dr. Lindseth was also known for his compassion and deep faith. Nothing made him happier than the smile of a child. Preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn, and his son, Erik. Survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Ellen Lindseth and Ward Andersen, his granddaughter, Danica and his grandson, Trevor.