Obituary of Wendell Eugene Carter

Son of Dorothy A. Novotny and Eugene D. Carter, Wendell Carter, M.D., 93, died on May 31, 2023, at his home in East Peoria. He wishes to express love for freedoms provided to him by the U.S.A., one of the greatest countries on earth. He wishes to express his extremely strong love for his wife, Lois (Hutchcraft) Carter, who preceded him in death, and his 6 children, Victoria Frank (Ronald) Nelson, both of whom preceded him in death, Genanne Carter (Frank, Jr.) Bombola, Leslie Carter (Doug) Haggard, Robert Frank, Melody Carter Hart, and Wendell, II (Sarah Salaski) Carter; and his sister, Delores Carter Schneider and brother, Donald Carter, who both preceded him in death. He also leaves behind 8 grandchildren and several great grandchildren; extended family, neighbors, community, and life-long school friends, all of whom contributed to his extensive education. Wendell’s post high school and junior college education included Ohio State (1951), University of Denver (1952-1954), University of Illinois College of Medicine (1955-1959), and St. Francis Hospital Internship and Residency Program (1960-1961). As the first contracted ER physician in Peoria, he was pleased to begin his medical practice in 1961 extending into 1962, after which he chose to embark upon becoming a family practice physician in the Sunnyland area. He endeavored to be at the forefront of research and patient care. One example was being chosen to learn the art, skill, and proficiency in the use of fiberoptic endoscopic instruments headed by Dr. Berry of the Hektoen Institute in Chicago. His Mayo Clinic education included medical hypnosis for the purposes of pain management, smoking cessation, and weight loss management. He supported numerous other progressive medical management changes in the community, such as the rooming-in mother/child management programs at Proctor Hospital. He was also president of the local American Heart Association of Peoria for one year. His later years were spent in the employ of Proctor First Care Health delivery system. He retired after 50 years of practice in 2013, at which time he became the primary caretaker for his wife. Over the years, Wendell chose to wake each morning with an attitude of gratitude. He appreciated lifetime opportunities that afforded and enabled him to make an effort “to love” and “do more good” for all the wonderful people he had an opportunity to meet. If remembered, he’d like to be included among those whose life goals expressed a greater love for humanity rather than egocentrism. Following cremation, he’d hope others might celebrate in harmony by listening to music, dancing, and breaking bread together; remembering his was a life well lived. Lastly, he wished to express a heartfelt apology to anyone who was offended during his lifetime. Offense was never intentional. Cremation Specialist of Central Illinois is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.CSOFIL.com.