Marlin P. Krenz M.D.'s Obituary
Marlin Paul Krenz, 88, of Norton Shores, died Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at Sanctuary at the Oaks, Muskegon, Michigan. He was born July 27, 1928 in Litchville, North Dakota to Carl Krenz and Amalia (Kolke) Krenz. Marlin grew up on a farm homesteaded by his father. With many opportunities to learn self-sufficiency, he started driving himself to school at ten years old. Inspired young by a physician who cared for him, he decided to become a doctor. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Dakota and his M.D. from Northwestern Medical School, where, although mentored by renowned neurosurgeon Loyal Davis, he elected ophthalmology as his future. Most importantly, upon graduation, he went to Detroit Receiving Hospital, where he met the nurse who became his lifelong love, Joan. They were married April 1, 1956, beginning a marriage that would last 60 years. After an Alaska tour in the US Air Force and a time in Chicago for Marlin’s ophthalmology residency, the family moved to Muskegon, where he opened his practice. Over a 30-year career, he was beloved by his patients and known for his surgical precision and his caring bedside manner — he continued, for example, to make house calls long after they were out of style. He also served as Hackley Hospital Chief of Staff during a tumultuous period. Marlin was profoundly proud of his children and their spouses and thrilled with his grandchildren, who always made him light up with joy. He was passionate about the house on Lake Michigan that he and Joan designed, constantly improving it and meeting the challenges of the lake. He played piano beautifully by ear alone, a talent that provided much joy for his loved ones and himself, especially in retirement. Proud of his calling as a medical scientist, Marlin was also a man of faith, active in St. Mark Lutheran Church. He is survived by his children, Gary Dean Krenz, of Chelsea, MI, and Debra Jo Dance, of Cincinnati, OH; his daughter-in-law, Barbara (Wheeler) Krenz; his son-in-law, William Dance; and his four grandchildren, Brian Matteson Krenz, Christopher Dean Krenz, Benjamin Thomas Dance, and Samantha Jo Dance. He spent his last years deeply devoted to caring for his dear Joanie, and in the end he could not wait long to hold her hand again. Visitation and memorial service will be Saturday, March 11, 2017 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 4475 Henry St, Norton Shores, MI 49441, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM, followed by the memorial service at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sanctuary at the Oaks, where the caregivers made a real difference in his life (1740 Village Drive, Muskegon, MI 49442), or to St. Mark Lutheran Church. Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel, 737 Apple Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49442, (231) 726-5210.
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