Richard “Dick” S. Plank, M.D., 79, of La Porte, Indiana, died on Saturday, June 17th, 2023 with his wife, Cynthia by his side. He courageously fought a long battle with Multiple Myeloma, diagnosed in 2007 while living in Napa, California. Later, he was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
He was born on May 5th, 1944, in South Bend, Indiana, to Dr. C. Robert Plank and Lucille O. Plank. Later they moved to Michigan City, Indiana, where Dr. C. R. Plank, co-founded Michigan City Radiologists.
In 1962, Richard attended Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, Indiana, where he received his bachelor's degree in 1965. In the Summer of 1966, he did an Internship at Munson Medical Center, Traverse City, Michigan. He then earned his Doctor of Medicine Degree in 1969 at Indiana University.
From 1969 to 1970, he continued Rotating Internships at Ohio State University Hospital, Columbus, Ohio; interned at Memorial Hospital, South Bend through 1970, and as a General Radiology Resident through 1973. He completed his Residency in 1973 and Radiology Fellowship, 1987 - 1988.
Richard earned the rank of Major while serving at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, as a Radiologist from 1973 to 1975. After the service, he returned to Michigan City, Indiana to join the Michigan City Radiologists practice, and enjoyed working alongside his father before he retired. Richard worked there through 1999.
He practiced in several area hospitals: St. Anthony, Memorial, Walters Hospitals, and the Open Door Clinic, where he served as President, 1991 - 1994. Richard was elected Medical Staff President for Walters Hospital, 1981 - 1982; Memorial Hospital President, 1982 - 1983, and again he was elected Medical Staff President for St. Anthony Hospital, 1998.
During the 2000s, he was ready to travel while practicing Locum Tenens. He held medical licenses in Illinois, Ohio, Arizona, California, and Indiana. By 2010, he was ready to retire.
In 1991, he married his “soul mate”, as he fondly phrased it, Cynthia Kalil Plank. Together they enjoyed traveling, dancing, gardening, and “wining” throughout Napa Valley where they lived for five years. He also loved running 5-K events, and running down the “beach road”, which he enjoyed for decades during his lifetime. He believed in protecting the environment, and wildlife is to be cherished.
Richard was a mild-mannered, unpretentious, gentle man who loved talking with everyone. He could strike up a conversation about any subject imaginable. He enjoyed reading and collecting “words” and their meanings. He truly enjoyed being outside, and hiking all day while birding. He loved the fact that he could forget to look at a watch, and never needed to search for a cell phone.
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant grandson, Gavin Hayes; and nephew, Daniel Plank.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia Plank of La Porte, IN; three daughters, Cindy Griffin of Key West, FL, Wendy Cain of Granger, IN, and Robin Hayes of Rolling Prairie, IN; two step-sons, Zachary (Amanda) Krachinski of La Porte, IN, and Joshua Krachinski of Lafayette, IN; seven grandchildren, Emily and Hope Hayes, Charles and McKenna Cain, Lexa Tsouchios, and Regan and Ava Krachinski; one brother, Dr. David (Leslie) Plank of Winter Park, FL; one sister, Patricia Smith of Bloomington, IN; sister-in-law, Camille Kalil of Michigan City; brother-in-law, Rev. Gordon Kalil of La Porte; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Richard requested a private family memorial which will be held at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana 46360.
Contributions may be made to the International Myeloma Foundation, 4400 Coldwater Canyon Ave., Suite 300, Studio City, CA 91604, myeloma.org or Parkinson's Foundation, 200 S.E. 1st St., Suite 800, Miami, Florida 33131, parkinson.org or "Make a difference", schedule a blood platelet donation at select American Red Cross centers in remembrance of Richard S. Plank, MD.
Family of Richard S. Plank, M.D., would like to thank the entire medical staff of experts that took such great care of our loved one for so many years. You are all in our hearts forever, Franciscan At-Home Hospice Care, St. Anthony Hospital, La Porte Hospital, Franciscan Hospital, Michigan City, Michiana Hematology Oncology Clinics in Mishawaka and Westville, IN, Loyola Medical Hospital (Stem Cell Bone Marrow Transplant Units), Maywood, IL, and UCSF Medical Center (Hematology Marrow Transplant Units) San Francisco, CA.
To sign a guest book and leave condolences online visit www.otthaverstock.com.
