Piller hangs up his stethoscope Dec. 2

To Dr. Edward Piller, nothing is more important than family. From growing up in the heart of New York City, to marrying the love of his life, to becoming a father and now, a grandfather, Dr. Piller’s life has been about those closest to him.

After 38 years, Dr. Piller is retiring from the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, leaving his work family and the thousands of patients, who have become like family.

“I have always tried to treat people like I would my parents,” said Dr. Piller. “It has been a privilege to serve here.”

Piller’s childhood in New York City isn’t remotely comparable to life in southwest Iowa. He described living on a busy city thoroughfare, where roughly 15,000 cars passed by daily; and playing streetball with his brothers and neighbors.

“We were poor, there were no questions about that, but we were happy,” he recalled.

He was 7 when he first thought about becoming a physician, although he said he always knew there must be a purpose for his life.

Following high school, Piller continued his education at St. Joseph’s College in New York City. It took three trains for him to make it to campus, one way. His junior year he received a research grant to the University of North Carolina for the summer. The following summer, he received a grant to work at Oakridge National Research Lab in Knoxville, Tenn.

“I was in awe to have those opportunities,” Piller said.

He then interned at Argonne National Labs in Illinois; working on sleeping sickness in cattle, before beginning medical school at Creighton University.

“Creighton was cheap enough where I could get through the first two years of school before I had to borrow heavily,” Piller recalled.

By the end of his senior year, he was out of borrowing ability and supplemented his income by working at Falstaff Brewery. While in medical school, he was asked to provide care in a rural setting, he worked with Dr. James Shehan for about three months. Medical school was completed in 1979, the same year he married his wife, Mary Jo. He eventually joined Dr. Shehan practicing at MCMH in Red Oak in August 1982.

“Red Oak was a good experience and a good fit for us,” Piller said.

While residents of Red Oak, he and Mary Jo raised six children, all graduates of Red Oak High School. Once their children graduated college and started families of their own, the couple purchased a home in Omaha; to be closer to the 14 grandchildren.

Over the past 38 years, Piller has had approximately 100,000 patient visits. He said he’s been fortunate enough to have been able to develop relationships and friendships with his patients over the years; something he will forever cherish.

Dr. Piller’s last day at MCMH is Dec. 2. Due to COVID-19, no public reception will be held. However, cards and well wishes may be sent to him at MCMH, 2301 Eastern Ave., Red Oak, IA 51566.