Dr. Robert Allen “Brains” Kearl ~ Class of 1973

Dr. Robert Allen Kearl

Phoenix – Dr. Robert Allen Kearl, age 63, passed away peacefully at his home next to his loving wife Ruth, his children, and his sister Susy early on the morning of August 22, 2018 in Phoenix.

Rob was born in Madison, Wisconsin to Bryant and Ruth Kearl. Before he was 21 he had traveled and lived all over the world, including Germany, Uganda, Thailand, and Singapore. He graduated from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1978 and University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School in 1982. He was board certified in pulmonary disease, critical care medicine, sleep medicine, and internal medicine.

Rob had a mischievous sense of humor, and maintained a powerful dedication to his work without the loss of his capacity for leisure, hobbies, and time with family. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, an extremely indulgent pet owner, and a talented and caring physician. He adored his children, his dogs and cats (and occasionally reptiles), and above all his beloved wife and life’s companion Ruth. He was an avid consumer of books and news, always eager to discuss the events of the day. Even in his last days, Rob had to be learning something — re-watching the Ken Burns documentary on the Vietnam war, listening to podcasts about the civil war, and refreshing his knowledge of the Thai language.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth, his three dogs, Samantha, Scout, and Moseby, as well as his two cats, Hank and Priscilla Peabody. He is also survived by his two sisters, Susy and Kathie; his three children, Bryant, Megan, and Alex; his granddaughter Madeleine; and Ruth’s son, Sam, and her grandson Cameron. Rob was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Bry Kearl, and by his brother, Dick Kearl.

Rob wishes to spend his days among the places he loved, and so his ashes will be spread in Arizona, Wisconsin, and Thailand at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to the Cancer Research Institute.