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 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. A Memorial will be announced at a future date.
