It is with deep sadness that the Department of Medical History and Bioethics shares news of the passing of Professor Guenter B. Risse. He died peacefully at home on February 15, 2026, following a long illness with Parkinson’s disease.
Professor Risse was a foundational figure in the history of medicine, and his contributions to this department and to the broader field remain enduring. He cherished his identity as a professor and medical historian — an identity he carried with him every day. Even in his final years, he remained intellectually alive, continuing to discover new topics, trace new connections, and engage with ideas that animated him throughout his career.
He was deeply buoyed by his colleagues. He learned from them, admired their work, and drew sustenance from their shared commitment to the field. Those relationships were not peripheral to his life — they were central to it.
Obituary & Online Memorial:
dignitymemorial.com — Guenter Risse
Scholarly Works & Website:
gbrisse.com