In Memoriam: Emmett Lee Wallace, DO, past president of the Iowa Osteopathic Medical Association

Emmett Lee “Doc” Wallace, DO, 92, died on Aug. 30, 2026, in Davenport, Iowa. Dr. Wallace was a leader in the osteopathic medical profession and previously held many leadership roles within the Iowa Osteopathic Medical Association (IOMA) and the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP). The following information is from Dr. Wallace’s obituary.

Dr. Wallace was born on Nov. 26, 1933, to Margaret (Nelson) and Homer Wallace in Monticello, Missouri. He was a graduate of Chillicothe High School, Truman State University and A.T. Still University—Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM), where he received his DO degree in 1960, launching a long, distinguished and fulfilling career in medicine.

He established his medical practices in Davenport and Donahue, devotedly serving thousands of patients and families in the Quad City area over his storied career. Dr. Wallace was a dedicated member of the Iowa Osteopathic Medical Association (IOMA), serving in many leadership roles, including president, vice president, delegate and member of the board of directors.

Dr. Wallace was a fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP), serving on numerous committees, boards and as a delegate. He received IOMA’s Physician of the Year Award in 1992 and its Life Service Award in 1999. He was also a long-standing member of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

Family and personal interests

Dr. Wallace married Marilyn Jean Simmons on May 29, 1960. Following their marriage, the couple moved to Davenport, Iowa, where they welcomed two sons, David and Byron.

Throughout his life, he was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting with his beloved dogs, boating, waterskiing and spending time at their family cottage in Wisconsin. He was an all-state athlete in his youth and a passionate supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes, viewing and attending basketball and football games regularly with friends and family. A lifelong learner, Dr. Wallace received his pilot’s license and flew his own plane for many years.

He was also a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport for many decades. Dr. Wallace is survived by his granddaughters, Shannon (Ashton) Shechter, Alaina (Tobey) Pribyl; nephews, J. Paul (Nancy) Lane, Jerry (Greta) Lane, James (Elizabeth) Lane, Gus (Tina) Simmons, Dr. Walter Simmons; niece, Dr. Janan Lane; sister-in-law, Sara Lane; brother-in-law, Glen (Dr. Marcia Fowler) Simmons; and daughter-in-law, Suzanne Wallace (Phil) Blankenfeld. He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Homer; his wife, Marilyn; sons, David and Byron; sisters, Loretta and Vivian; brother-in-law, J Paul Lane; niece, Jacquetta Lane Lunson; and nephews, Bob Carter, Gary Carter and Dennis Carter.

A private family service is planned. The family requests that any memorials be made to The University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital or St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport. Online tributes and condolences may be expressed on Dr. Wallace’s obituary page.

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In Memoriam: September 2026