Gunnar B. Stickler

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Stickler, Gunnar B., M.D. Age 85, passed away at his home in Wayzata, MN. He is survived by his wife Duci of 54 years and his children, Kati Lovaas and George Stickler. A native of Southern Bavaria, Germany, he was a retired physician who practiced at Mayo Clinic for 32 years. Gunnar Stickler was chairman of Pediatrics at Mayo Clinic from 1969 to 1980. He was a member of the editorial board of Clinical Pediatrics for almost 25 years. Gunnar also served on the editorial boards of Pediatrics (6 years) and the European Journal of Pediatrics (8 years). Throughout his life he contributed over 200 articles to medical publications. His achievements include the discovery and description of hereditary progressive arthro-opthalmopathy, named "Stickler Syndrome." The world lost an energetic, charismatic, talented, challenging, witty, and sophisticated man who cared deeply about his patients and who practiced the true art of medicine every day. In the words of his former resident, Douglas S. Moodie, M.D., "Gunnar created an excitement about clinical scholarship that was unmatched. He was a superb teacher. He challenged and compelled one to do clinical research and infected one with his enthusiasm for life and medicine and his quest for the truth." Gunnar was an active sportsman who loved competitive sailing, skiing, cross-country skiing, tennis, and iceboating. Gunnar is very much missed by his daughter Kati Lovaas and son-in-law Mark Lovaas of Wayzata and their children Kristina, Alexandra, and Karl. Gunnar lived next door to the Lovaas family and found great joy in the daily involvement in his grandchildren's lives. Gunnar is missed by his son, George Stickler and daughter-in-law Diana and their children, Elsie and Kurt; along with his sister Karin Ensmann of Truchtlaching, Germany. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to: Stickler Involved People (SIP), 15 Angelina, Augusta, KS 57010. Stickler Involved People is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to educate and give support to the people affected by Stickler Syndrome. A Bavarian "Leichenschmaus" memorial supper celebrating Gunnar's life will be held on November 14, 2010, at 3:00 PM at the home of Mark and Kati.

Published on November 7, 2010