Marvin George Gatz

Marvin George Gatz
October 11, 1956 – May 9, 2024

Marvin George Gatz of Sacramento, California, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, May 9, 2024. He
was born in Newton, Kansas on October 11, 1956, the son of George Herman Gatz Jr. and Elda Lolmaugh
Gatz.

Marvin grew up on a wheat farm in central Kansas. He attended Kansas University for a Bachelor’s
degree and the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas City for a medical degree in 1982 with
continued studies in Pulmonology, Internal Medicine, and Critical Care.

Several of his high school and professional colleagues moved west after graduation, locating in and
around the Bay area of California. These relationships became treasured lifelong friendships. Marv
chose a life of service in healthcare, landing in Sacramento, where he practiced as a pulmonologist in
Carmichael, CA for over 35 years. The location was ideal for his love of outdoor sports. Marvin spent
weekends on the slopes skiing, snowboarding or biking and hiking. For a short time, he took up scuba
diving and sky diving on at least one occasion. Cars and motorcycles were also a passion.

Marvin was fortunate to be welcomed during family holidays by cousins from the Calvin Gatz family in
Madera, CA. He was an ardent fan of his Kansas sports teams, cheering on the KU Jayhawks and the
Kansas City Chiefs.

He first demonstrated a love of music in high school, taking on the role of “Curly” in the musical
Oklahoma.  Later, he sang for over 20 years as a bass with the Sacramento Choral Society and
Orchestra.  He also enjoyed taking lessons and playing guitar.

Since retiring in 2020 and during the first year of the pandemic, Marvin’s health went into decline. All
the while until the time of his passing, he retained his robust laugh, good nature, spirit of adventure, and
generous heart.

Though Marvin had an active life and career in California, his life was still rooted in his immediate and
extended family relationships, and with dear friends in and around Newton, KS.

He was loved and respected as a wonderful son, brother, companion, and colleague. Marvin is survived
by his sister Frances Gatz (spouse Roger Telschow) of Washington DC and St. Petersburg, FL; brothers
Max Gatz (spouse Jill; children Nick, Melissa, Jenna) and Gary Gatz (spouse Buffy; children Abby, Sam,
Tom, Ben, Tanner, John) of Newton, KS, and their families.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the Sacramento Choral Society
and Orchestra, 4025 Bridge Street, Suite A, Fair Oaks, CA 95628 (EIN 94-3259903)

A Celebration of Life/Memorial for Dr. Gatz was held at the Trinity Heights United Methodist Church in Newton, Kansas on Saturday, August 17.  The service was videotaped and archived with videos of the Trinity Church at https://www.youtube.com/@NewtonTrinityHeightsUMC  (note opening frame of blue sky and doves).

A direct link to the Memorial Service is at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7j2Or3DT79Y&t=75s Photo stream begins at 8:00 minutes into recording; service begins at about 22:30 minutes.

A video tribute from the Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra is included at the end of the service.  The fidelity may be better on the SCSO YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpKfHbnaIgw The SCSO’s August 8 Summer Sing 2024 was dedicated to Dr. Gatz: https://sacramentochoral.org/ss2024/

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