03/28/2025

Remembering Walter E. Matern, MD

Walter E. Matern, MD

Walter Edward Matern, 85, of Batavia, OH passed away on March 21, 2025. Born in Worcester, MA, his parents were Herman & Catherine Matern.

Walter graduated from North High School and Clark University in Worcester, MA, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. He received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Wuerzburg in Germany. He established his surgical practice for over 30 years in Cincinnati. He also served as President of Cincinnati Surgical Society, Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati, Alliance of Physicians & Surgeons, and the Ohio State Medical Association. He was part of the Ohio delegation for the American Medical Association for ten years. He was Chief of Staff at Drake Memorial Hospital and Jewish Hospital Systems. He was a Board member of Choice Care, The Jewish Hospital, Medical Foundation of Cincinnati, and the Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati. He helped to find The Wellness Community of Cincinnati. He competed in over fifty marathons. His other interests were classical music, hiking, traveling and fluency in German.

His wife - Ginny Reid Matern; four children - James, Amanda, Barron, and David; eight grandchildren - Tommy, Sarah, Alex, Chandler, Cade, Sofia, Gideon, and Barron; three great grandchildren - Eli, Ben, and Charlie; and one sister - Donna Matern survived Walter. Three brothers - Richard, Donald, and Robert; and two sons - Thomas and Matthew, predeceased Walter.

Visitation is on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 4-6 pm at Spring Grove Funeral Home, located at 4389 Spring Grove Avenue. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 1:00 pm in Norman Chapel at Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum, located at 4521 Spring Grove Avenue. Pastor Jason Hoerth will officiate. 

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Cancer Support Community in memory of Walter Matern, at 4918 Cooper Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242.

A Message on Behalf of the Academy of Medicine:

Dr. Walter E. Matern was a dedicated leader and advocate for the medical community through his extensive service with the Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati and beyond. He served as Academy President from 1989 to 1990 and was a long-standing contributor to numerous Academy committees, including the Emergency & Disaster Services, Constitution & Bylaws, History, Judicial, Medical Staff, Program, and Public Relations Committees.

A passionate supporter of physician education and community engagement, Dr. Matern was an active member of the Academy Speakers Bureau and participated in initiatives such as the Mini-Internship program, Challenge Cincinnati (raising funds for the High School for the Health Professions), and programs with Special Olympics. He also contributed to the Academy Foundation from 1990 to 1995 and consistently volunteered to assist the Academy whenever needed.

Dr. Matern’s leadership extended beyond the local level, serving as OSMA President from 2001 to 2002 and as an OSMA delegate to the AMA. His lifelong commitment to organized medicine was recognized with the OSMA 50-Year Physician Award in 2019. He was also a past president of the Cincinnati Surgical Society.

Known not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his kindness and generosity, Dr. Matern’s unwavering commitment to the Academy and the greater Cincinnati medical community will continue to leave a lasting impact.