Although this campaign has concluded, it's easy to give to Ohio University and support the Steven M. Takacs, DO, Memorial Scholarship Endowment.
Dr. Steven M. Takacs of Newbury Township, Ohio — son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, son-in-law, veteran — passed away at age 60 after a six-month battle with ALS. He was surrounded by his family and friends, and his beloved dog, Gem.
Steve and Maria at their daughter Maggie’s rehearsal dinner, July 2015
Dr. Takacs graduated from the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine with his D.O. in 1986 and spent nearly thirty years caring for the residents of Geauga County at his office, Newbury Family Practice.
He was an active supporter of local organizations and events, especially Newbury and NDCL sports and Geauga County 4-H. Steve was also an avid gardener and loved being outdoors with his family. As a member of the U.S. Army Reserves, Steve was an ardent supporter of U.S. military veterans.
This scholarship is being created to benefit future medical students who choose a life as osteopathic physicians, serving patients in rural communities or underserved populations in Ohio. This is Steve’s legacy.
Takacs family photo at daughter Maggie's July 2015 wedding; Left to Right: Steven, Maria, Kevin, Maggie, Steve, Dan
The path a person takes through life is certainly revealing
And Steven’s path was noted for its nurturing and healing
He had a skill and manner that are wonderful and rare
Even among people who give their lives to care
Each patient gained the confidence the way their case would go
From his humor and the moment Dr. Steven said “Hello”
He established great relationships and got folks on the mend
His patients called him “Doctor,” but they also called him “Friend”
He also liked a bit of verse to keep the spirit light
And so we thought a poem for him, appropriate and right
And as we’re here to ask you for donations in his name
Here’s why we think he’s destined for the OUHCOM Hall of Fame
His reputation brightens under scrupulous inspection
While his colleagues sought his counsel for guidance and direction
He was an inspiration and we feel it should be noted
Through his kind and able mentoring, countless were “white-coated”
And all those hearts for medicine he brought to the profession
Bring healing to their cities in a wonderful procession
That’s why we’re here to ask you, even as we grieve
To contribute to the studies of another Dr. Steve
He will be missed by all of us; his daughter and his sons
His lovely wife Maria and the Christ the Bridegroom nuns
He tended to our bodies while they tended to his soul
It’s that kind of blessed communion which keeps the spirit whole
Loving father, healing doctor, loyal husband, faithful friend
To Our Father there in Heaven, may these words your soul commend
There once was a doc from Ohio
Who had a spectacular bio
So we’re founding a fund
For the way that he punned
As a good way of saying “Good-bye-o”
Steve at Physical Therapy at the Cleveland Clinic, February 2020
The Steven M. Takacs D.O. ALS 5K Run is Saturday, June 19 in Geauga County. This event is not affiliated with Ohio University or the Takacs scholarship.
Steve meets his first grandchild, Ellie, on May 1, 2020
Steven M. Takacs, D.O. served as a rural country family physician for 31 years.
Steve Takacs lived life to the fullest for 60 years. It was a life of service as an osteopathic physician, and as a community volunteer leader to numerous organizations.
Steve served as Class President of the Class of 1986. This number 103 represents the number of students who began their training together at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine.
The Class of 1986 graduated on June 13, 1986, and Steve proudly displayed the numbers 061386 on his Ohio University/State of Ohio license plate.
Steve Takacs began medical school in 1982 and he was thrilled to be accepted into the 6th class of the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine.
This “ six” thousand represents six very special friends. Steve, Jeff, Scott, Doug, John and Joel met the first year of medical school. Jeffrey Hutchison, D.O., Scott Bleser, D.O., Douglas David, D.O., John Escolas, D.O., and Joel Grubbs, D.O. of the Class of 1986 are privileged to create the Steven M. Takacs, D.O. Memorial Scholarship Fund. We miss you Steve!