St. Anthony’s Dedicates John K. Pruellage Heart & Vascular Center

The Heart and Surgical Pavilion at St. Anthony’s Medical Center recently was renamed in honor of John K. “Jack” Pruellage, who served as a dedicated member of the medical center’s board of directors from 1996 until his death in May 2012.

The John K. Pruellage Heart & Vascular Center officially was dedicated at a Feb. 4 reception.  Pruellage grew up in south St. Louis and attended St. Mary’s High School, Saint Louis University and the University of Missouri.  He practiced law for 42 years at Lewis, Rice & Fingersh, L.C., and served as chairman of the firm for 22 years.

“Jack was a champion of St. Anthony’s, and provided wise counsel and dedicated leadership that helped the medical center to thrive as an independent health care provider,” said James E. Gardner Jr., president and chief executive officer of St. Anthony’s.  “In his memory, hundreds of friends, colleagues and family have donated more than $1.2 million to St. Anthony’s Heart Care Fund to make the rededication possible.”

The contributions will support charity care, health screenings and preventative care, as well as assist in the creation of the new Lewis, Rice & Fingersh Heart Evaluation And Rapid Treatment (H.E.A.R.T.) Unit at St. Anthony’s, to be completed in 2013.