Dr. Arthur L. Ney

Arthur (Art) Leland Ney

September 10, 1951 - December 27, 2024

After a courageous two year battle with brain cancer, Dr. Arthur L. Ney passed away peacefully in his home on December 27, 2024.

Art was born September 10, 1951 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Edward and June Ney. His father Edward was an astrophysicist and professor at the University of Minnesota, and Art grew up immersed in the world of academia. During his adolescence, Art had the unique experience of living in Australia, which was a formative time in his youth. Art graduated from University High School in 1969. He later earned his undergraduate degree in biology and graduated with honors from medical school in 1977 from the University of Minnesota.

After completing his surgery residency at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) in 1983, Art practiced in Buffalo, Minnesota, for one year. He then returned to HCMC in 1984 for a transplant fellowship and a surgery staff position. Art dedicated his career to trauma care, general surgery, renal transplant and trained over 125 outstanding general surgeons who have served many communities in Minnesota. Art was HCMC’s first Trauma Director, a position he held for over twenty-five years. Under his leadership, HCMC became one of the first trauma programs verified by the American College of Surgeons . In addition to his work as a trauma surgeon and director, Art worked at both HCMC and Abbott Northwestern Hospital as a Renal Transplant surgeon. With his partner Dr. Mark Odland, Art performed the first laparoscopic donor nephrectomy for renal transplant in the midwest. Art also served in many leadership positions at HCMC. He retired in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in trauma care, surgery, and surgical education.

Outside of his medical career, Art enjoyed many hobbies that enriched his life and those around him. He loved playing golf, spending time with family at their cabin, and honing his woodworking skills. He also loved traveling, especially visiting the beaches of St. John, golf and fishing trips with friends, and eclipse chasing across the globe. His wisdom and thoughtful advice were cherished by his family and friends.

Art was a compassionate, intelligent, and generous individual, deeply committed to his family, friends, and medical career. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Art is survived by his loving wife of 42 years Judith Ney; his children, Corey (Ingrid) Ney, and grandchildren June and Liam; Avery (Katherine) Ney, and grandchild Calvin; Lindsey (Ryan) Sharp, and grandchildren Hazel, Cora, Edward, and Louisa; Rebecca (Kirkland) Ney, and grandchildren Lily and Isla; his sister, Judith Ney (Jimmy Crabb); and his brother William (Pearl) Ney. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and June Ney and his brother John Ney.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Arthur L. Ney, MD Endowed Chair for Trauma through the Hennepin Healthcare Foundation. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 16, at 12 p.m. at the Club at Golden Valley, 7001 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN. Visitation will begin 30 minutes prior, and luncheon will follow immediately after the service.