Dr. Witold A. ‘Witek’ Szyfer, MD, PhD

 It is with great sorrow that the family of Dr. Witold A. “Witek” Szyfer announces his passing on February 7th, 2022. 

He will be remembered for his unyielding devotion to his patients, colleagues, medical community and most especially, his adoring family.

Dr. Szyfer lived his life with the courage and accomplishment that could fill many lifetimes. He was a generous, forgiving and wise father, son, friend and healer. 

He was born October 5th, 1954, and grew up in northern Poland. 

His passion for medicine began at the Medical Academy of Gdansk, Poland, where he earned his medical and doctorate degrees at the top of his class. 

After attaining his education at an unprecedented pace, he was honored by the Academy in the most prestigious role as both Physician and Professor. 

Dr. Szyfer’s dedication to medicine crossed continents when he immigrated to the United States in the early 1990s. 

He treasured his role as a physician for over 42 years and faithfully served the Southern Illinois community with his healing hands and undeniably witty sense of humor for the last 20 years. 

His profound brilliance in medicine allowed him to direct, publish and teach in his field. 

Witek healed many thousands of lives and was not only a physician, but a companion to his patients. He would tell you that laughter is still a good medicine. 

From white water rafting to skiing double black diamonds, he was always up for an adventure. He was an avid athlete and incredible soccer player and unwilling to let time slow him down. 

He was a world traveler speaking seven languages and spanning many continents, and shared the privilege of a broader perspective with his daughters who joined him on many of his trips at the expense of hysterical laughter from listening to his impeccable jokes. He loved the outdoors and had an affection for animals. 

He loved spending time with his grandkids, to whom he could rarely say “no.” He was Dr. Szyfer, Witek, Tata as known by his daughters; the man, the myth, the legend. 

 He is survived by his loving daughters Ania Szyfer, Maggey Szyfer and Julia Szyfer, only granddaughter Eden, and grandsons Janusz and Aleksander who brought him much pride. He is preceded in death by his mother Dominika Klawsiuc. 

 A memorial Mass in his honor was held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at 6 p.m.   

Crain Funeral Home-Egyptian Chapel in Energy was in charge of arrangements.

To view the obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.

The family requests friends also visit dropevents.com/DRWITOLDSZYFER or email DRWITOLDSZYFER@dropevents.com to share fond memories and photographs to be used in his memorial.