Dr. Gary Kielhofner

Dr. Gary Wayne Kielhofner, 61, of Chicago died Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010, at Chicago's Mercy Hospital after a brief illness.

The Oran, Mo., native became a groundbreaking researcher and worldwide authority in the field of occupational therapy. His writings, including his book "Conceptual Foundations of Occupational Therapy," shaped clinical rehabilitation practices around the world and were translated into dozens of languages.

Colleagues credited Dr. Kielhofner's theories, including his signature "model of human occupation," with advancing the understanding of factors that influence whether persons with disabilities can lead satisfying lives.

He was born Feb. 15, 1949, at Saint Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau, to Harold and Luella Hamm Kielhofner of Oran.

Kielhofner attended St. Ambrose Grade School in Chaffee and Vincentian seminaries in Cape Girardeau, Perryville, Mo., and Santa Barbara, Calif.

He earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from St. Louis University, a master's in occupational therapy from the University of Southern California, and a doctorate in public health from the University of California-Los Angeles.

He eventually held faculty positions at USC, UCLA, Virginia Commonwealth University and Boston University, before becoming occupational therapy department head at the University of Illinois-Chicago in 1986.

Kielhofner held the Wade/Meyer endowed chair at that university after 2000, and he received honorary degrees from universities in the United States and abroad. In addition to his academic pursuits, he was an avid bicyclist and horseman, along with being a gifted woodworker and guitarist.

He is survived by his wife, Dr. Renee Taylor of Chicago; two children, Kristian Kielhofner of Sarasota, Fla., Kimberly Kielhofner of London; his parents; four sisters, Andrea Sachse and husband Bob of Jackson, Connie Newton and husband Ken of St. Joseph, Mo., Dr. Marcia Kielhofner and husband Ed Hudson of Sugar Land, Texas, Gail Smith and husband Tim of St. Louis.

A funeral celebration will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Chaffee, with the Rev. Ralph Duffner officiating.

Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the University of Illinois Foundation, 1305 W. Green St., MC 386, Urbana, IL 61801, using MOHO in the memo line; or The Mercy Foundation, 2325 S. Michigan Ave., Room 240F, Chicago, IL 60616.