The five children of beloved family doctor Richard L. Zettler, MD, who passed away on January 14,,2021, have created a scholarship in memory of their father. 

The Dr. & Mrs. Richard L. Zettler Memorial Scholarship is open to employees of Fairfield Hospital, their family members and hospital volunteers who are interested in furthering their healthcare education. Scholarship funds can offset the cost of tuition or continuing educational requirements.

“Mercy Hospital was my dad’s love. He was born at the old Mercy Hamilton hospital and he was dedicated to the hospital and Mercy Health for most of his life and career. He served as Chief of Staff at Mercy Hamilton, served on the hospital’s board and was instrumental in the decision to build and open Mercy Health – Fairfield Hospital, attending the groundbreaking more than 40 years ago,” said his son Bill Zettler.  

“This scholarship, in his name, is a wonderful legacy since for him, hospital and community were inseparable. He would be proud to be honored in this way,” added Zettler.  

“I’ve talked with many employees who remember Dr. Zettler fondly,” said Fairfield Hospital President Justin Krueger. “This scholarship will keep his name in our hearts while also advancing the hospital, medical education and the profession in which he was so invested.”

The Dr. & Mrs. Richard L. Zettler Memorial Scholarship will award its first $1,500 scholarship to a deserving candidate in the spring.