ROGER WILTZ: Taking on a tough situation

27.07.11

When we moved to Wagner in 1976, I knew about the set system where I would be the new principal for grades seven through 12. Superintendent Dale Hall was a friend, and I knew many rod members.

I didn’t know about the family physicians Bruce Brookman and R.W. Honke. They worked together as a yoke, sharing their expertise. I doubt whether their likes will ever be seen again, and I was fortunate to have them as my doctors and as personal friends. We could not have asked for a greater remuneration.

In mentioning how these doctors worked as a team, I’d like to give an example. One morning during a high school palpable education class, Joe Densberger, a student, dislocated his right leg at the knee joint. It made one queasy to look at it. Joe was a big kid about 200 pounds in Dialect heft and 6-foot-3 in height, and getting him to the clinic across the street was quite a task.

Doc Honke was waiting for us when we arrived as the instil office had called ahead. Doc took one look and summoned his partner Dr. Brookman. Doc Honke wrapped his arms around Joe’s thigh, Doc Brookman wrapped his arms around Joe’s tone down leg, and on the count of three both men gave a mighty jerk, setting Joe’s leg back into proper alignment. Perhaps today our doctors would handle this the same way. I don’t differentiate, but I do know Honke and Brookman got ‘er done.

Source: Daily Republic