Karl Patrick Ober

 Karl Patrick Ober, MD, 76, passed away suddenly on Friday, July 25, 2025, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, physician, scholar, and friend, Pat lived a life marked by deep compassion, intellectual brilliance, and quiet acts of kindness that touched countless lives.

Born on April 7, 1949, in Ames, Iowa, to Jess and Maridale Ober, Pat was the eldest of three siblings and is survived by his brother, Mark Ober, and sister, Susan Ober, both of Tampa, Florida.

Pat’s academic journey began as a National Merit Scholar at Michigan State University, where he met the love of his life, Cathy. They were married for 54 years and built a life together grounded in mutual love, respect, and purpose. Pat went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Florida before moving to Winston-Salem to complete his residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Endocrinology at Wake Forest University.

A gifted educator and beloved mentor, Pat remained at Wake Forest as a dedicated faculty member. His influence spanned decades, as he taught both medical students and physician assistant students with exceptional clarity, warmth, and wisdom. He was widely recognized for his excellence in teaching, receiving numerous institutional and national awards. He served as Head of the Endocrinology Section and, for several years, as the Associate Dean of Education for the Medical School. At the time of his passing, Pat was the Medical Director of the Physician Assistant Program.

Pat’s talents extended beyond medicine. He was a Mark Twain scholar, authoring several articles and a book exploring the intersections between Mark Twain’s life and the medical world of his time. His intellectual curiosity was boundless, and he brought humor, humanity, and historical insight into everything he studied and shared.

Despite his many professional accomplishments, Pat remained grounded in the simple joys of life. He was an avid woodworker and a passionate caretaker of bluebirds. He found peace in nature, regularly checking the bluebird boxes at Tanglewood Park and ensuring they were fed and thriving—a small act that perfectly reflected the kind and thoughtful person he was.

Pat leaves behind his beloved wife Cathy; his son, Christopher (Sheri); his daughter, Rebecca; and two treasured grandsons, Jonathan and Michael. He was a devoted family man, and his love and guidance will forever live on in the lives of those he cherished most.

The family wishes to thank the paramedics who worked hard to revive him.

A funeral service to honor Pat’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Hayworth-Miller Lewisville Chapel, with Pastor Danny Leonard officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service at Westlawn Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Clemmons Food Pantry, PO Box 871, Clemmons, NC 27012, in honor of Pat’s lifelong commitment to caring for others.

Dr. Pat Ober was a remarkable man—intelligent, kind, and endlessly generous. He leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, humility, and love, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.