"Dr.Maar changed my life. He was my surgeon when I was just 15 years old and performed 3 major operations on both of my legs to correct a growth deformity that was causing crippling effects on my knees and years of pain. After years of going to Riley and then Methodist sports medicine and rounds of physical therapy that only worsened the issues, I was finally referred to Dr. Maar and he finally provided hope for me. He was always very kind and thorough and took his time answering our questions and concerns. As a child at the time, he made me feel comfortable and confident I was in great hands and I truly was. I believe he was a great man with great purpose in helping and healing others. Such a terribly sad loss for so many. "
In loving memory of
Dean C. Maar M.D.
October 8, 1958 - November 27, 2019
Dr. Dean Maar was a loving and committed husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Deborah, his children, Emily, Megan and Sarah, his father, Clyde, and his siblings: Wayne (Sharon), Janet (Tim) and Gary (Kandi).
Dean was an alumnus of DePauw University and Indiana University School of Medicine. He completed fellowships in adult reconstructive hip and knee surgery at Johns Hopkins University and Ilizarov Reconstruction at the University of Maryland. His manuscripts were published in medical periodicals including Orthopedics, The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery and The Journal of Arthroplasty. He presented at national and international medical conferences and served as the assistant editor for The Journal of Arthroplasty from 1991 to 1999. He was a cornerstone at OrthoIndy, a prominent orthopedic medical group. He served as Vice-President of its Board of Directors and was instrumental in building the renowned OrthoIndy Trauma Program. He invented a surgical device which was patented and is used by surgeons worldwide. Indianapolis Monthly recognized him as a "Top Doctor" for the past 6 years.
He spent the bulk of his career treating accident victims with serious injuries in emergency rooms. Dean saved countless lives and limbs by making decisions and acting upon them under intense pressure and with little time for reflection. His calm and kind demeanor brought comfort to and inspired confidence in his patients and their loved ones. His passion and commitment earned him admiration and respect from his colleagues, nurses, staff and patients.
Dean lived life in the present. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and naturalist. He spent much of his free time creating a retreat which he enjoyed sharing with his family and friends. The cabin was full of souvenirs and trophies from his adventures all over the world. The property is covered with thousands of trees he planted with help of family and friends. He took great pleasure in entertaining at his retreat and sharing it with his extended family, friends and groups. Many children caught their first fish and learned to canoe and kayak at "Uncle Dean's Cabin". His cabin parties often included campfires visible from outer space, grilled food sufficient to feed small armies and professional grade fireworks. He created life-long memories for his children and his nieces and nephews.
Dean treasured his time with his wife and daughters. He enjoyed much professional success and accolades, but his family was always his first priority. At home, his family enjoyed his complete attention. He was patient and easy going. He loved to make his family laugh even if the humor was at his expense. He supported his daughters in all their endeavors with the same focus, commitment and compassion which made him a great doctor. He did not waste time at events hiding at his table. When the music started, he was on the dance floor with his wife and daughters. Dean was a thoughtful man who was an avid reader with broad range of interests. He followed current events and relished conversation with people from different backgrounds and disciplines. He played the guitar, operated and serviced heavy machinery and enjoyed cooking. His life was full of discovery, learning and real experiences.
Dr. Maar died defending his family from an act of senseless violence on November 27, 2019. His final decision in this life exemplifies his character. While preparing to host a large Thanksgiving dinner with his extended family, he was the victim of a home invasion. He confronted the armed attackers and sacrificed his life to save the Love of His Life.
A Celebration of Dean's life will be held 4-8 p.m., on Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at Crown Hill Funeral Home, Indianapolis, IN 46208. A private burial will be held at Crown Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Dean's honor to The Christamore House Guild c/o Christamore House. 502 North Treemont St. Indianapolis, IN. 46222.
Tributes
"I was a visiting Surgeon from Jordan , and i met this great man while i spent my Trauma Fellowship in Orthoindy and learned alot from him , i was so shocked to hear about this tragedy . Dr Maar was one of the smartest persons i ever known , a great man who was loved and respected by everyone . May his soul rest in eternal peace . My deepest condolences to his family and close ones . He will be missed "
"In 2001, I met Dr. Maar after my freshman son was severely injured in a football accident. A team of doctors, led by Dr. Maar, saved my son's leg and now he is a 33-year old successful man, soon-to-be husband and father of a 2-year old. What an amazing man. So thankful for his life. "
"What an amazing man Dean was. Not only to his friends and family, but to the many people who's lives he's made better by being a gifted doctor. We became friends in our early teenage years and I will always remember Dean with that big smile on his face. I enjoyed catching up with his life adventures at our high school class reunions and now those will never be the same without him. Such a senseless tragic loss of a really good man. Prayers for answers, justice and healing for the Maar family. Dean's SHS class of 77 will always be here for you. ? "
"So sad to have to say goodbye to Dr. Maar this way. Thank you for giving us hope that my leg if not my life will not be lost. Love and appreciate this man for not only what he has done for us but countless others. Prayers for his family to get through this time of such grief. Judy & Rick Phillips"
"Dr. Maar was my surgeon by choice and my go to guy for all things joint related. I enjoyed our relationship and knew from the first time I met him that he was the right guy for me. We were much alike and I relished our time together. I was shocked and heartbroken to hear the news of his passing. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. He will leave a HOLE in those he knew and loved and I am sure that list is long and layered. God speed my Friend!!! Paul Wagley"
"To the personal and professional family of Dr. Dean C. Maar, MD We share a sad and heavy heart for the tragic death of Dr. Maar. In addition to his families deep sense of loss, his patients are deprived of the services of a fine orthopedic physician. We pray his extended family will find some solace when the perpetrator(s) of his death are swiftly found and brought to justice. May God guide his survivors in the sorrowful days ahead. Herbert J. Maus A recent knee surgery patient and wife, Mary Jane a former patient. "
"Prayers and thoughts are with the family. Dr Maar was my Mother's Doctor and she loved him so much. God Bless The Family. Hugs Patrice Glaze and Patricia J Urbancic"
"Our prayers are for you following this unthinkable tragedy. Dr. Maar was a kind and talented surgeon. Phil and Anne"
"My husband and I were shocked to learn of Dr. Maar's death. He replaced both of my hips and one of my knees. He always entered the room with a big smile and a "Hey, how're you doing?". He had a great personality and easy-going spirit. Our condolences to his family and friends, what a great loss!"
"I was shocked to hear of Dr. Maar's death, he done an emergency surgery on my knee in July 2018 after I had complications from another surgery. He was an excellent surgeon and he will be deeply missed by the medical community. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family. "
"My life changed after having met Dr. Maar in April on 2018. Dr. Maar became my surgeon at that time and we planned out the first of my two knee replacements. He replaced my left knee in October of 2018, an my right knee this past October 2019. He was such a great joy to talk with when I had appointments with him when my wife always joined my. He took the time to explain everything to both of us, and left us feeling we were in the best of care with him being my surgeon, and I was. I can't thank Dr. Maar enough. My wife and I wish to send our deepest sympathy during this time to his wife and family, colleagues, his nurse Amy and Dr. Maar's other patients. We've all lost a great man. Roland Hamilton, one of Dr. Maar's patients."
"Dr. Maar will be sadly missed by anyone that knew him. He was a wonderful Dr. for my husband for 3 surgeries and he was going to do the 4th in the spring. We had just talked about his family last month and he was very proud of them. And that he could not retire due to his daughters being of marrying age. May the family be able to find peace. Dr. Dean Maar was a great MAN!! "
"Dr. Marr will be sadly missed by all. He repaired so many of our broken Police Officers and Deputy Sheriff?s from traumatic injuries He maintained those friendships long after rendering his amazing talents. He will always be remembered by us as a gem and a true hero. May their be hope for expedient justice and peace for your family. "
"I am able to walk today, because of Dr Maar and his team. I was deeply saddened when I heard the news of his tragic death. His family and co-workers will be in my prayers."
"I was truly so shocked to hear on the news about Dr. Maar's tragic death. I started working for Orthopedics Indianapolis at the Professional Building next to Methodist Hospital years ago. He was one of the doctors I worked for there. I remember him as such a nice doctor. I also remember at the Christmas Parties he would be out on the dance floor having a good time with everyone. Then I made the move to Ortho Indy when it was built on the North side. I feel so honored to have worked for Dr. Maar as well as all of the other doctors there. I wanted to extend my love, prayers and sympathy to his wife, daughters, siblings and all the rest of his family and friends. His death is truly a very great loss . "
"Dr Maar was a wonderful Doctor and a wonderful person. He treated the patient but truly cared about you as a person"
"The grief is overwhelming and indescribable by words. This community has lost a wonderful man as demonstrated by his personal life and pursuits, and his professional behavior. He will long be remembered for his kindness, commitment to his family and patients, his easy going style, and enjoyment of life. An unreplaceable friend, partner, and medical colleague. "
"A great and generous man. It was an honor to meet and know him. My hero. "