Dr. Wayne Jarvis M.D.

Dr. Wayne Howard Jarvis died at home on November 15th. He was born in Owatonna, Minnesota to William and Viola (Matti) Jarvis on December 18th, 1952. After graduating from Owatonna High School in 1971, he began his undergraduate studies in Microbiology at the University of Minnesota. His studies were interrupted when he was drafted for the Vietnam War. He served two years as a Conscientious Objector working as an orderly in Northfield, Minnesota. He met his future wife of forty-three years, Virginia May, during this time. Once he completed his studies, he worked in a biological research lab prior to attending medical school. He graduated with highest honors from the University of Minnesota’s Medical School in 1982, having completed his last semester of study in London hospitals. With a growing family, Virginia and Wayne moved to Lexington, Kentucky to begin his residency. He completed his training in May of 1987 and the family moved to Duluth, Minnesota, where he began his 28-year career as a General Surgeon at the Duluth Clinic/St. Mary’s Hospital (now Essentia Health). His life was darkened with the diagnosis of dementia in his beloved wife Virginia and his world brightened in the last few years with his relationship with Debra Waites. He will be remembered as fiercely loving his family. Wayne expressed his love through cooking and enjoying food and drink with others. He was a collector of skulls and surgical oddities. He was a historical enthusiast and loved traveling to places that he had learned about. He was an eclectic music gatherer and known to start one song, only to change to another song after thirty seconds because he was so excited to share another song with someone. He is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Viola Jarvis; and his brother George.  He is survived by his wife, Virginia May; his partner, Debra Waites; children, Hannah (Tom) Murphy, Helen Jarvis, Brent Jarvis; grandchildren, Oliver and Evelyn Murphy; siblings, Mary (Fred) Ferraro and Larry Jarvis.  Wayne was known for his eccentric and dapper appearance, and the family would love for you attend the service in your own unique style.   In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Dementia Society of America.  Visitation will be 5-7PM, Tuesday, November 20, 2018, visitation will continue Wednesday, November 21, 2018 from 1PM until the 2PM Funeral service in the Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd Street, Duluth, MN 55805.