Obituary of John McDonald Streitz

John McDonald Streitz, 90, of Duluth, Minn. died on Friday, April 15, 2016, at Solvay Hospice House. He was born on Feb. 24, 1926, in Minneapolis to Ruth and Frank Streitz, the first of their three boys. After graduating from Minneapolis North High School in January of 1943, John enrolled at the University of Minnesota in Chemical Engineering. In 1944, he enlisted in the Navy and was accepted into the V-12 program. Upon graduation from the University in June 1945, he entered Midshipman's school and was put on active duty in 1946, making one tour of the Far East. After his return, he enrolled in medical school. In 1951, he married Patricia Ann Ryan, and they were married for 62 years until her death in 2013. In 1955, the growing family moved to Duluth where John and Patty raised five children. He and his friends, Mac Fifield and Howard Jacobs, owned Shingebis, a Morgan 34, and sailed Lake Superior. He loved navigation and held a deep respect for Lake Superior and its unique weather. He enjoyed spending time with his family in the summer on Amnicon Point. John practiced urology and served on the medical staff at St. Mary's Hospital which included time as Chief of Staff in 1978. At St. Luke's Hospital, he served as Chief of Staff in 1983 and was on the Board of Directors. He was a lifelong member of the Minnesota Urological Society and served as president of the organization in 1983. He taught at the University of Minnesota Duluth Medical School from its founding in 1972 until his retirement from medicine in 1992. Later, he served on the Medical School Admissions Committee. John is preceded in death by his brother Jim, who died in 1980. He is survived by his brother F. Michael Streitz of Minneapolis; five children, Susan, John (Susan) Streitz, Sarah (Leon) Steinberg, Andrew (Diane Desotelle) and David (Michelle) Streitz; 10 grandchildren, Robert Pokorney, Madeline Pokorney, Patrick Streitz, Anna Streitz, Simon Kaplan, Lucienne Kaplan, Ryan Streitz, Michael Streitz, Alastair Streitz and Eva Streitz; and fifteen nieces and nephews. MEMORIAL SERVICE: 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 11 at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 2310 E. Fourth St. The family would like to thank the kind caregivers that helped him in his home, the staff at Solvay Hospice House, and Dr. Dave Jorde and Dr. Mike Whitcomb for their excellent care. Instead of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Patricia R. Streitz School of Medicine Scholarship at the University of Minnesota, Duluth or to CHUM Services.