Stephen J. Ringel, M.D.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of an extraordinary man, Stephen (Steve) J. Ringel, M.D. on October 15, 2025, at home in Round Rock, Texas. Dr. Ringel (as he was known to many) was born in the Bronx, New York in 1941 to Harry and Sarah (Schwartz) Ringel. He graduated from high school at the age of 16 and attended NYU for his undergraduate degree, after which he left for medical school in Bologna, Italy. Even though he didn’t speak a word of Italian when he arrived, he learned by “studying medical textbooks,” and by the time he graduated was fluent in the language. During college he worked as an electrician, carpenter, plumber, and auto mechanic. Truly a fount of knowledge, Steve had an incredible talent and appetite for learning. He graduated medical school in 1972 and returned to the United States to begin work as a physician. During his work in the ER in Joliet, IL, he met the love of his life and future wife of 47 years, a nurse, Susan (Cravens) Ringel. He was fond of saying she was the only person who could ever stand to work with him, which she did for the entirety of his career. Steve practiced medicine as an orthopedic surgeon in Tennessee, Florida, New York, Mississippi, and Texas. For him, medicine was about helping people heal by providing truthful expert care without unnecessary procedures. During this time he and Susan raised their children creating indelible memories while working as a seamless team. It wasn’t always easy, but they made sure their children had what they needed and knew they were loved. Between the everyday demands of running their medical practice, Steve and Susan made sure to take time for vacations, birthday parties, holidays, and to just enjoy the everyday minutia of being a family. Of all the accomplishments in his life, he was most proud of his children and grandchildren. Steve had a life-long love of learning and reading. He was most comfortable at home, rarely found without a paperback (or Kindle), cup of coffee, and cigarette in hand. He was also an avid crossword-puzzler, challenging the entire family to compete for who could finish first (usually it was him, sometimes with creative answers). Both of these intellectual pursuits kept him in superb mental shape as a sharp and witty companion to all those privileged to spend time with him. He continued working in the field of medicine and improving his professional skills and knowledge until the very end. Steve was a proud Jewish American and the moral, intellectual, and emotional center of gravity of our family, around which we all orbited. He was our pre-internet encyclopedia, science teacher, trade school professor, handyman, carpenter, mechanic, lifeguard, and most importantly a beloved father, grandfather, and husband. A true proponent of “if you teach a man to fish,” to live with and know Steve was to learn from him. One of Steve’s most endearing qualities was the strength of his character, as manifested in his directness and honesty. A compliment or criticism from Steve was a true gift, equal demonstrations of care and love. He is survived by his loving wife, two younger brothers (Cary and Alan), three Ringel children (Beth, Aaron, and Campbell), two step-children (Bill Seery, Jackie Bird), twelve grandchildren, and will be missed by multitudes more. Donations in Steve's loving memory may be made to K9s for Warriors (https://k9sforwarriors.org/) or to a Jewish organization of your choice.

Stephen J. Ringel, M.D.

January 4, 1941 - October 15, 2025