"Rest in peace Dr. Pantzer . It was a pleasure working with you for so many years in the Methodist O.R. and enjoyed our talks at the Old Timers parties. My deepest sympathy to your family."
In loving memory of
John G. Pantzer
April 6, 1032 - March 7, 2016
John George Pantzer, Jr. was born April 6, 1932, in Indianapolis, IN, to John and Susanne (Strieblen) Pantzer. John's mother died when he was five years old and he and his father lived many years with his grandmother, Cora (Nelson) Pantzer. He spent his boyhood summers in Sheboygan, WI with his father's sister, Laura (Pantzer) Vollrath and his cousins.
John attended Shortridge High School and completed his Eagle Scott prior to graduation in 1950. He graduated from Wabash College in 1954, where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. He earned his medical degree from Indiana University Medical School in 1958. After an internship at Baylor University in Houston, Texas, he returned to Indiana University to complete both general surgery and plastic surgery residencies. He became a diplomat of the Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in 1967, and had a private practice in Indianapolis. While practicing, he served as Chief of Staff at Methodist Hospital and was active in both the State and Marion County Medical Societies. In 1978, he served as President of the Ohio Valley Society of Plastic Surgeons. He also was the primary plastic surgeon for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he provided burn and reconstructive surgery for injured drivers. He retired from practicing medicine in 1992.
He was a member of the Indianapolis Museum of Art Board of Governors, where after retirement he served as a docent giving tours to junior high school students. John valued his membership in Scientech, Gyro, Old Duffers and the Indianapolis Literary Club. An active member at Woodstock Club, he enjoyed playing tennis and golf with family and friends. He served on the Board of Directors of The University Club, where he was a member for many years.
John was a voracious reader of history and biographies of influential leaders. He loved solving the daily New York Times crossword puzzles. He was connoisseur of fine wines and cars, and a past member of the local wine society and the Jaguar Club of Indianapolis. He had an intelligent wit and sharp sense of humor. He loved all sports, especially the Little Giants football games at Wabash, and was a big fan of Purdue football and basketball, holding season tickets for many years.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Anne Gidelle (Ream);and six children, Susan (Frank) Hyre, Elizabeth (Brian) Wilder, Cynthia (Amy) Radcliff, John (Holly) Pantzer, Julia (Craig) Church and Thomas (Kristen) Pantzer; and 18 grandchildren, whom he adored, Franklin (Flin), John (Jack), Meredith (Mimi), Davis, Mathews (Hews) Hyre; John (Hogan) and Camille Wilder; Madeleine, Hillary and William Radcliff; Sophia and Eleni Pantzer; Emily, Allison, Lilly and Andrew Church; John (JT), and Addison Pantzer.
Tributes
"John and Anne proved that a Shortridge and Broad Ripple connection can really work. John was a lucky man and Anne was a lucky woman. My memories of John are wonderful. "
"Anne, Sorry to hear of the passing of John. Has been a very long time since we got him the Jaguar roadster. Glen"
"John was a fellow member of the Indianapolis Literary Club. He had many interests and a wide range of knowledge. I will miss our conversations."
"Rest in Peace"
"We will always remember Dr. P and his wit! We loved to talk politics with him, and valued our visits. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Pantzer gang; and we know that Pete and Pat Sofios are welcoming him to Heaven with great love and affection."
"I am so sorry to hear of John's death. He was my mother's cousin and we would see him and Anne now and then over the years during family events in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where he spent summers with the Vollrath family when he was young. I was lucky enough to spend a few days with John and Anne a few years ago when my son was in Indianapolis. They were such lovely hosts and John took me on a wonderful tour of the Indianapolis of my grandmother and great-grandparents, and the Indianapolis of today. We had a wonderful day of reminiscing and talking about the Pantzer family history. Reading his obituary makes me realize just how many varied interests John had- his life is really an inspiration. My condolences to all the Pantzer family. I wish I could be with you on Friday, but certainly my thoughts will be with you all. Fondly, Debbie Shadd (daughter of Karene Vollrath Shadd)"
"John was a wonderful man whose friendship we valued extremely highly. He was a always engaging to talk with and was knowledgable on a wide variety of subjects. Our lives have been greatly enriched by his presence in them. We are saddened and share our grief with his family whom we also consider special friends. They, and we, can derive some solace from the knowledge that his was a life well lived and his legacy will live on in the minds of everyone who knew him. May God bless him and everyone in the family. Jane and Emerson Houck"