Gitzy, Dr. John A.

Dr. John A. Gitzy, 75, of 1434 Center Point Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids, died Tuesday, July 28, 2009, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, following a long illness. At his request, there will be no visitation or services. Arrangements by Murdoch Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Marion. A private family burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, New Hartford.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Doris; his three sons, John Gitzy (Cindy Jones) of Clermont, Fla., Fred Gitzy of Omaha, Neb., and Andrew Gitzy of Brooklyn, N.Y.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his twin sister, Joann Missel.

John A. Gitzy was born October 1, 1933, in Elma, to Fred and Carmelite (Sixbury) Gitzy. He received his B.S. degree from St. Ambrose University in 1956, and his D.D.S. degree from the University of Iowa in 1960. John married Doris Carolus on Sept. 23, 1961. He practiced dentistry in Cedar Rapids for 36 years, until his retirement in 1996.

John co-chaired the Cedar Rapids/Marion Polio vaccination drive for which he received the Key Man Award from the Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1963. He was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ, where he was a past moderator, Sunday school teacher and a member of the Chancel Choir. He served for many years on the board of Campfire Girls.

Memorial donations may be made to First Congregational United Church of Christ music program at: 361 17th St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403.

Please sign the online guest book for John at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.