After high school, he attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on a Navy ROTC Scholarship, earning his Bachelor of Science degree and a commission in the U.S. Navy. He then pursued his medical degree at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) on a Navy scholarship. During medical school, he married his wife, Lois, and together they welcomed their son, Thomas.
Upon completing his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree and an internship in Obstetrics and Gynecology at UNMC, Dr. Remmenga was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, serving as a General Medical Officer and Battalion Surgeon with the Third Marine Division. After completing his assignment, he returned to San Diego for a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Naval Regional Medical Center. His expertise led him to Naval Branch Hospital Adak in Alaska, where he served as the staff OB/GYN.
Dr. Remmenga continued his training with a fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. He conducted research at the National Cancer Institute’s Radiation Oncology Branch and trained at National Naval Medical Center Bethesda and Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Following his fellowship, he was stationed at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in Virginia as the staff Gynecologic Oncologist in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Shortly after his arrival, and following the birth of his daughter, Stephanie, he was appointed Chair and Department Head of the OB/GYN Department–the largest residency program in the Navy at the time. For seven years, he led the department while also serving as the Specialty Leader and Consultant to the Navy Surgeon General for Obstetrics and Gynecology. His final assignment brought him to Washington, D.C., as the Deputy Director of Clinical Operations and Chief Medical Officer for TRICARE Region 1. After 25 years of distinguished service, he retired as a Navy Captain in 2002.
Returning to Omaha, Dr. Remmenga joined the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UNMC as a Gynecologic Oncologist, where he practiced for the next 20 years. He held several key roles, including Division Director of Gynecologic Oncology, the McClure L. Smith Professor of Gynecologic Oncology, and Vice Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He retired as a full Professor with Emeritus status from the College of Medicine. His contributions extended beyond clinical practice–he was deeply involved in academic medicine, teaching and mentoring students and residents over morning coffee sessions before rounds, clinics, and surgeries.
Throughout his career, Dr. Remmenga was a dedicated educator and researcher. He authored or co-authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications in clinical, basic science, and public health research. He contributed four textbook chapters and served as a peer reviewer for numerous medical and scientific journals. He played a pivotal role in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) committees for 17 years, helping establish guidelines for diagnosing, treating, and monitoring gynecologic malignancies guidelines that have been translated into over 50 languages and set global standards for patient care.
An esteemed member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), Dr. Remmenga first served as the Navy Section Vice Chair before retiring from military service. He later became Vice Chair and Chair of the Nebraska Section and was elected Secretary and Chair of the District VI Advisory Council, representing over 5,000 OB/GYN providers across multiple regions. His leadership extended to the National Board of Directors, where he was elected Chair of the Council of District Chairs and became a member of the Executive Committee. His contributions to ACOG earned him several prestigious awards, including the Admiral Robert A. Ross Award, the Paul Tomich Award for Lifetime Service to District VI, and the National Mentorship Award. He also served on numerous national committees focused on government relations, finance, and Native American and underserved women’s healthcare.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Remmenga was an avid hunter, fisher, and target shooter. He was a devoted Nebraska Cornhuskers fan, having first attended a game in 1962, sparking a lifelong dedication as a season ticket holder. He also found joy in music, grilling, spending time with his beloved cats, and traveling with his wife, Lois.
Dr. Remmenga was a distinguished Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Central Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists. He actively contributed to the Nebraska Medical Association, the American Medical Association, and Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honorary. Recognized for his exceptional service, he was inducted into the Circle of Distinction at UNMC and was a proud member of the American Legion.
Dr. Remmenga is survived by his wife, Lois; his son, Thomas (Annie); his daughter, Stephanie; his grandchildren, Amar, Kieran, Arya, and Lucas; and his brother, Kent (Janet). He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Ethel.
A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Pella Reformed Church, 16101 Pella Road in Adams, Nebraska.
Memorials to the family for future designation or to the Pella Reformed Church.