Biography

Dr. Camiel Cyriel "Doc" Mahank died at the age of 90 on June 21, 2012, in Boca Raton, Florida, where he resided with his wife Catherine for the last eight years. Camiel was born on June 27, 1921, in Mishawaka, Indiana to Laura and Rene Mahank. His parents immigrated from Belgium. Camiel, who grew up speaking Flemish, was always proud of his heritage. Dr. Mahank lived and worked on the family farm until he left to pursue his medical degree at Indiana University. His studies were interrupted during WW ll when he served as a laboratory technician on an Army medical ship in Europe. After the war, he completed his studies at IU and returned to Mishawaka to practice medicine as an OB-GYN. When asked why he chose to be an obstetrician, Camiel replied that he wanted to specialize in an area where he would experience life and joy. He said that every delivery was a thrill and a miracle. Camiel was the first physician in the Michiana area to promote the Lamaze method of childbirth. He was approached by a young husband who expressed a desire to be in the delivery room with his wife. Dr. Mahank agreed, and for the first time, shared the miracle of birth with both parents. During his 35 year career, Dr. Mahank brought thousands of babies into the world, including his youngest daughter. Even though he retired and moved away in 1990, Camiel never lost his passionate love for children or his love for the family farm. Camiel is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Catherine, and their three daughters, Sandy Roughton (Ken), Camille Gruen (Richard), and Mary Mahank (Julius Csengody); his sister, Mary Mahank Barnes; five grandchildren , Aaron Roughton (Lindi), Matthew Roughton (Natasza), John Michael Gruen, Mark Gruen (Renee), and Mary Morse (Peter); six great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was devoted to his family. A celebration of Dr. Mahank's life will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, June 29, at the First United Methodist Church of Mishawaka, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Operation Smile, the Florida United Methodist Children's Home, or to Alzheimer's research.