Richard Brauer Caldwell, M.D.

Richard Brauer Caldwell, known as “Dick” after his mother’s brother, died on August 4, 2025, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Born on February 10, 1942, in Marion, Indiana he was the son of John Handly Caldwell II and Janis Mary Brauer Caldwell.

From a young age, Dick embraced the joys of childhood, spending his days swimming and enjoying summer camps. His lifelong love of horses began at Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana. He graduated from Marion High School in 1960 and continued his studies at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana, where he earned a degree in Political Science with a minor in Economics in 1964. It was during his college years that he met his lifelong spouse, partner, and friend, Kaye Metzger, whom he married shortly after graduation.

Following his passion for medicine, Dick attended the Indiana University School of Medicine, where he received his Doctor of Medicine degree. He completed his residency at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana, and began his general practice in Marion in 1968.

In 1971, seeking a closer connection to nature, Dick and Kaye moved to the arboretum in Madison, Wisconsin, where he served as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin. Two years later, they relocated to Hayden Lake, Idaho, where Dick joined a family practice in Coeur d’Alene alongside the late Dr. Harold Thysell. In a decision that was unusual for the time, he teamed with a group of three new doctors, including Dr. Neil Nemec, Dr. Michael Dixon, and Dr. Richard McLandress to optimize a family physician culture, which flourished in service to North Idaho. He dedicated himself to family medicine until his retirement in 2005, after which he continued to serve as a physician in Urgent Care across Hayden, Coeur d’Alene, and Post Falls.

Dr. Caldwell was deeply respected and cherished by his patients. He was board certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He was on staff at Kootenai Hospital for over 40 years where he provided a wide range of medical services including delivering thousands of babies. He was also a proud member of the Idaho Medical Association's 50-Year Club. He had a thirst for knowledge and a wide array of interests. Dick was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church, Coeur d'Alene, from 1973-1980, and St. Pius Catholic Church, Coeur d'Alene, from 1981 until his death. An avid reader, Dick was particularly interested in Catholic Church history and the writings of influential thinkers such as Thomas Merton, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Flannery O’Connor. He found inspiration in the book by Pope Francis called "God is Young" and cherished music from artists including Luciano Pavarotti, Gordon Lightfoot, and John-Michael Talbot.

Dick loved spending time outdoors, whether it was walking with friends, running, cycling, climbing Mt. St. Helens, hiking the Bob Marshall wilderness, or riding horses. He was an avid runner who completed marathons and an Ironman race, showcasing his dedication to fitness and adventure. He took great pride in protecting Idaho lands and the wildlife on his ranch. He enjoyed working on various projects, often riding his tractor and capturing the beauty of wildlife with the nature camera set up by his grandchildren.

Dick is survived by his steadfast wife of 61 years, Kaye; three sons, Richard, Robert (Julia), and Christopher (Lindsay); and six grandchildren: Kate (Marcus) Johnson, Taylor (Erik) Eyre, Madeline Caldwell (fiancé Jared Budzinski), Matthew (Acey) Caldwell, Henry Caldwell, and Leo Caldwell. He also leaves behind three great-grandchildren, Anthony, Edith, and Christopher, as well as a sister-in-law, Susie Metzger (Craig) Huxtable, and five nieces and nephews: John Caldwell, Margaret Caldwell, Amy Huxtable Levin, Andrea Huxtable (Mike) Wiggins, and Matthew Huxtable and numerous lifelong friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Janis, his older brother, John "Jack," and his niece, Letitia Caldwell.

A private family burial was held.

Richard "Dick" Brauer Caldwell will be remembered not only for his contributions to medicine, but also for his love of family, nature, and the pursuit of knowledge. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

In remembrance of Dick and his gratitude to the wonderful care and assistance he and his family received, please consider donations to Hospice of North Idaho, 2290 W. Prairie, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815.