Birth date: Apr 18, 1933 Death date: Apr 15, 2024
Donald L Sturtz, MD, FACS, passed away 15 April 2024. He was born to Walter R. Sturtz and Helene Kubik Sturtz on 18 April 1933 in Coshocton, Ohio. He is survived by two brothers; Jim Sturtz of Michigan, and Ken Sturtz of Pennsylv Read Obituary
I served with Adm. Sturtz at NNMC Bethesda and later worked with him at USUHS Surgery Dept. A finer, more Godly man you'd be very hard pressed to find! He was a most excellent leader, fine teacher and wonderful friend.
LNC Larry A. Carter, USN (Ret.)/GS-11
Dr. Sturz and I crossed paths three times during my career in the Navy Medical Corps. Both of us were former line officers before we went to medical school.
He was my attending staff physician during my internship, later as my Commanding Officer and also as an academic colleague at USUHS. He was an inspiration to me at all three points in my career, providing wisdom and perspective.
To his family and survivors, please know that he was a very special guy. In short, he was a "mensh".
Fair winds and following seas Dr. Sturtz.
My Uncle Don was very special to me and to our family. One time, quite a few us were together and my Uncle made a point to ask me how I was doing and about school. I was a little kid then and thought it was so nice of him to ask. He also was so gentle and there was a kindness in his eyes. I never forgot there was something different about him. I realized later it was Christ in him. He was instrumental in my accepting Christ in my late 20's. My Aunt Alice and he had me to their beautiful Lewes home one Easter and they showed me around the historic parts of Lewes and also treated me to some delicious crab cakes at a local restaurant. We also went to their church for Easter. I'm so grateful that Uncle Don and Aunt Alice were a part of our family. I know that, because of Jesus, I'll see them again.
Words cannot fully express my gratitude for having had Dr. Sturtz in my life. It was only by his gentle mentorship, sponsorship and support that I was able to attend the Naval Academy and USUHS. There were many nights on call as a resident at WRNMMC where I would stop at the plaque bearing his name to reflect on how he may look at some problem in my life I was wrestling with. I am thankful that his name adorns the hallways here at NMCSD for me to reflect on. I don’t think I ever adequately expressed to Dr. Sturtz the profound impact he had on my life. Even if I was given another day with him, I don’t know that I really fully could. What I will always keep with me is his example of a humble man who walked with God. He remains the pinnacle example of a man deserving of admiralty, whose wisdom and leadership are so very needed in this world. He will always be the metric by which I judge the leaders of Navy Medicine around me. I am thankful that he is with Ms. Alice again and smile as I picture him saying, as he always did to me, “bye for now.”
What a wonderful world it would be were more like him. So grateful for having met him and attending his lectures.
A true gentleman, Don was full of grace and peace. His love for Jesus Christ, his family, and those around him was always overflowing. Marla and I knew Don from Lewes Presbyterian Church, and Marla looked forward to his warm hugs. Our prayers go to Jimalee and Lyle, Janel and Rob, and the rest of the family with the assurance of the resurrection. The picture is when our church 'life group' celebrated his birthday last year with a cupcake! Bruce & Marla Viekman
One of the finest men I have ever known. I was lucky enough to be one of his surgical residents. It was a privilege to have had him as one of my teachers and mentors.
Our deepest sympathies to Janel and Jimalee, and all your precious family. A life well- lived, with honor and service. Calvin and Debby Taylor
