Family, friends, and co-workers gathered at Saint Elizabeth’s Chapel for a celebration of service and charity. The honoree -- Dr. Marvin Timm – was awarded the esteemed Bishop’s Medal by Bishop Bernard Harrington for his generous gift of self in his parish, community, and beyond.

Dr. Timm’s contributions span far and wide. In his role as physician, he has sought to heal and restore, following the example of the Divine Physician. The skill of his hands and the tenderness of his heart fuses to touch lives in their most vulnerable state. Throughout his practice he has been regarded more as a beloved family member.

Beyond his family practice, Dr. Timm has been a teacher, advocate, and leader. He considers education a valuable tool – to help patients, challenge medical students, and instruct nurses and clinicians. He considers the voice of his patients as an indispensable barometer. He considers his faith and sense of justice to guide his actions.

In his role as church member, Dr. Timm serves in many capacities. His love of God and church has been exhibited in CCD/faith formation classrooms, in parish council meetings, within the contemporary choir of St. Felix Church, and at countless Knights of Columbus gatherings. His ties to St. Felix dates back to his early school years. In recognition of his achievements, Dr. Timm was named a Distinguished St. Felix Graduate in 2005.

The scope and breadth of Dr. Timm’s community service spans many years and includes being a Jaycee member, Rotarian, school board member, county coroner, and Wabasha County Medical Society president/member. With the highest degree of integrity and character, he has served his patients, neighbors, and communities well.

Beyond rural Minnesota and Wisconsin, Dr. Timm has left his fingerprints on the hearts and souls of the needy and hurting in St. Lucia, Haiti, Jamaica, and Honduras. Heeding the call to help in worlds far away, Dr. Timm participated in and contributed to numerous mission journeys to offer medical care and a caring presence to children and families faced with tremendous hardship, limitations, and shortfalls.

The presentation of the Bishop’s Medal was a deserving honor for a lifetime commitment to healthcare and community. In accepting this honor, Dr. Timm recognized the support and guidance from his family, Saint Elizabeth’s, the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, and his many colleagues.

“This medal needs to be shared with many other people, beginning with my early mentors – Drs. Bouquet, Mahle, Ellis, Buchhuber and Martin. It also needs to be shared with Saint Elizabeth’s Medical Center, which stayed in the forefront when it came to advanced technology. In those early years many small hospitals folded, but not St. Elizabeth’s. During my career, I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the finest people you could ask for…doctors, nurses, lab and x-ray techs, receptionists, and transcriptionists. I thank them all.”