Dr. Raul F. Waters

MONONA/MADISON- Dr. Raul F. Waters died on Wednesday, July 23, 2014, after a bout with cancer. Raul was born in Cuba on June 5, 1936, to Patrick and Maria Waters. Raul grew up in Detroit, Mich. where he graduated from Cass Technical High School. He then attended Wayne State University where he first earned a degree in chemistry and then attended medical school, graduating with his M.D. degree in June 1961. During his second year of medical school, Raul married his college sweetheart, Victoria (Vicki) Raffo. This union produced four wonderful children; Heather (Barry) Gerhart of Fitchburg, Wis., Kimberly Waters of Los Angeles, Calif., Patrick (Linda) Waters of Sandusky, Ohio and Christiane (Michael) Waters of Madison, Wisc. His academic development continued at Wayne State University where he completed two years of training in general surgery. He subsequently accepted a residency in the Department of Urology at the Marquette University Medical School (Medical College of Wisconsin) and completed his training there in 1966. The Vietnam conflict was becoming very active at the time and Raul joined the Army Medical Corps after completing his residency training. During his tour of duty in Vietnam, he was assigned to the 67th EVAC Hospital in Qui Nhon. Raul was very proud of his service in Vietnam and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal in recognition of his distinguished service. Upon his return to civilian life in 1968, he also returned to the Marquette University Medical School to accept a position as an Assistant Professor of Surgery (Urology). However, shortly thereafter, a position in Madison at the Dean Clinic came calling and thus began a fulfilling 37 years as a staff Urologist there. In 1971, he received board certification in Urology and became a Fellow of the College of Surgeons. During his time in Madison at the Dean Clinic, Raul developed a strong relationship with the Department of Urology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which included the training of Urology residents (one of his favorite duties) and he became Clinical Professor of Surgery. Also, while in Madison, Raul spent many hours sailing on Lake Mendota. Upon retirement from full-time practice, he volunteered at the Benevolent Specialists Project Free Clinic in Madison and enjoyed fishing, traveling, spending time in Florida and on Lake Monona. Dr. Waters is survived by his wife; four children; his sister, Gladys; as well as by his four grandchildren, Nick and Nate of Sandusky, Ohio and Christian and Annie of Fitchburg, Wisc. The Waters family would like to thank Dr. Roy Kim and Dr. Al Musa of Dean Clinic, as well as everyone at Agrace HospiceCare for their kind care. A small memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.