On September 19, 2024, Dr. David M. Reisler passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife of 63 years, Fran (Fredman) Reisler, his children, Michael, Ronnie, Susan, and Larry, and his son-in-law Tzvi. Though his activities centered on a distinguished 60-year career in medicine, David beamed with pride in the accomplishments and activities of his aforementioned children, their spouses, Ilana Sultan, Miriam Reisler, and Tzvi Berman; his 13 grandchildren, Ateret, Yardena, Tekoa, Madison, Emily, Amichai, Ariel, Rami, Tali, Yehuda, Rivka, Zecharia, and Yair; and his great-granddaughter, Ziv. David’s family spans the globe, with descendants residing in New Jersey, Maryland, California, New York, Chicago, and Israel.
Born to Samuel and Ida Reisler, brother to Elaine (Magarrell) and Fritzi (Bright) of blessed memory, David graduated with honors from Harvard College (AB cum laude 1957), received a medical degree with honors from the Washington University School of Medicine (MD 1961), and a master’s degree in public health from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health (MPH 1971). He completed his residency in neurology at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis.
David’s professional career included epidemiological work at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the U.S. Public Health Service, fighting polio in the Dominican Republic, and investigating hepatitis in the prison system among other endeavors. He held academic positions at the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, St. Louis University, the University of Maryland, and Washington University. Additionally, David cared for thousands of patients in his private neurology practice in St. Louis, Missouri, and he served on the staff of St. Luke’s Hospital for over 40 years. Upon his retirement from private practice, David continued to serve the community by caring for patients in hospitals and free clinics and conducting disability evaluations of retiring veterans for the Veterans Administration (VA).
David was known for his quiet, thoughtful manner, and his unfailingly optimistic, unflappable demeanor. He was deeply committed to his wife, family, friends, community, and synagogue, and he was an avid news buff. For over 50 summers, David enjoyed sailing the waters of Lake Michigan and relaxing on the beaches of South Haven, Michigan.
Funeral service Sunday, September 22, at 12:00 PM at BERGER MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 9430 Olive Boulevard. Visitation from 11:30 AM until the time of the service. Interment follows at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road, Chesterfield. Please visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for livestream details and other information. Memorial contributions preferred to Nusach Hari B’nai Zion or the St. Louis Holocaust Museum.
