C. Gerald Sundahl

C. Gerald Sundahl, M.D.
Superb doctor, passionate teacher, gentleman farmer, voracious reader, compulsive learner, avid outdoorsman, world traveler, clock collector, sometime singer, exercise advocate, mentor to many, friend, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather…. these are many of the ways he touched our lives. He personified contradictions, disliked ceremonies and formality and dedicated himself to intellectual pursuits while consummately pursuing the ideals of education, self-sufficiency, and individual responsibility. Many of his last conversations centered around whether he made an impact and had anyone learned anything from him! Dr. Jerry Sundahl, “Doc” or “Papaw”, as he was also known, passed away on October 22 nd , 2021, at almost 83 years old. He lived a fulfilling life and, at his request, we are to celebrate his life and our good memories.
Jerry was born and grew up in Bradford, PA, graduated from Princeton University (1960) and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons (1964). After graduating from medical school, Jerry completed his internship and a year of internal medicine training in Cooperstown, NY, then moved to southern California to complete 2 years of required military service as an Air Force doctor. Jerry completed his remaining 2 years of internal medicine training and 2 years of cardiology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh. In 1972, Jerry joined the founders of the Knoxville Cardiovascular Group at University of Tennessee Medical Center. Jerry was committed to his medical practice, but his real love was helping people and playing prankster with staff. After nearly 30 years of dedicated practice, Jerry retired in 2001 but continued the learning and training necessary to retain his medical license until a few years ago.
The family wishes to thank all of the medical professionals he’s seen over the last few years for his continued care, most recently Dr. Daniel Cox and the staff at Lakemoor Family Physicians, Dr. John Acker, Dr. Scott Stevens, Dr. Michael Eilerman and the UT Medical Center Hospice team. Thanks to the caregivers who have assisted the family with Jerry’s care over the last year (Stuart) and, most recently the required 24/7 care (Jackque), while still providing the respect and dignity Jerry deserved. Thanks also to friends and ministry at Alcoa First United Methodist church for their love and support.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Agnes Sundahl, and his brother Bruce. He leaves behind to celebrate his memory, his wife of nearly 35 years, Faye, their children Kathy (Ed), Tommy, (Joanie), Jimbo (Anahita) and Jeff (Joy), along with 11 grandchildren – Cara (Will), Alex (Allen), Katie, Kirstyn, Zachary, Baylor, Claire, Cristina (Trey), Allison, Connor, Devon, 2 great-grandchildren – Olivia, Beckett, his brother, Jim Sundahl (MaryKat) and many other family and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 pm ET on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at Alcoa First United Methodist Church, 617 Gilbert St, Alcoa, TN 37701. The service will be livestreamed at www.alcoafumc.com (Home tab/Livestream). There will be no formal receiving of friends but please stop by after the service to say hello to friends and family gathered. [Masks recommended but not required.] Online condolences may be offered at https://www.inmemori.com/csundahl-u64hp/tab-infos.








Share On: