[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 101 (Wednesday, June 18, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING DR. THEODORE PAUL VOTTELER

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                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 18, 2008

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is with great 
sadness that I recognize the passing of Dr. Theodore Paul Votteler of 
Dallas, Texas. Named to Best Doctors of America from 1996-2000, Dr. 
Votteler performed over 25,000 operations before his retirement in 1993 
and was one of the first surgeons in the Nation to successfully 
separate conjoined twins. Deeply committed to his practice and the 
pursuit of education, Dr. Votteler's compassion, skill and spirit will 
be deeply missed in the community.
  Born in 1927 in Portland, Oregon to Theodore and Mary Gladys Parry 
Votteler, the family moved to the Dallas area in 1939. Mr. Votteler 
graduated from Highland Park High School and was attending the 
University of Texas at Austin when he enlisted for the Navy in 1945. 
After serving his country, he went to Tulane University School of 
Medicine where he graduated in 1951.
  In 1960, he was appointed medical director of surgical services and 
director of general surgery at Children's Medical Center in Dallas. Dr. 
Votteler performed one of seven successful separations of conjoined 
twins in 1978 and became an international authority on conjoined 
separations and pediatric surgery.
  In 2007, Dr. Votteler returned to the University of Texas at Austin 
to complete his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. During his career, 
Dr. Votteler received many awards including the Children's Medical 
Center Distinguished Service Award and the Tulane Medical School 
Lifetime Achievement Award.
  Madam Speaker, the medical field has lost an astounding surgeon; I 
send my condolences to his wife, Vermelle Votteler, and his sons and 
daughters-in law, Tad and Sally Anne Votteler and Todd and Sharmon 
Sullivan Votteler. In addition, he is survived by his grandchildren 
Alexis Sutton Votteler, Theodore Paul Votteler III, Anna Grace 
Votteler, Vitoria Frances Votteler, and one granddaughter on the way, 
Carol Elizabeth Votteler.

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