Dr. Robert Stahl Totz

1944 - 2016

Dr. Robert Stahl Totz
1944-2016
Dr. Robert Stahl Totz passed away peacefully on January 11, surrounded by family and friends after a courageous battle with cancer. Born August 17, 1944 in Gonzales, Texas to Melvin and Pauline Totz. Dr. Totz, the youngest of three children, was a very gregarious child with a great thirst for knowledge, often memorizing texts as early as elementary school. Known for being entrepenurial, he would resell wholesale bubblegum at school for a sizeable profit. His love for music began at an early age. In Junior High, he was such an accomplished percussionist, he was asked to join the High School Senior band. Early in High School his family moved to Houston where Dr. Totz attended Bellaire High school. He was in the marching band and also nominated to the National Honor Society, graduating in 1962 Magna Cum Laude. He attended the University of Texas, where he was in Zeta Beta Tau fraternity and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. He continued his studies at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, graduating in 1970. His internship was at DC General Hospital in Washington, DC followed by a residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. After his studies he returned to Houston to begin his dermatology practice that would be his passion for the next 45 years. He was very well respected and loved by his colleagues and patients. He prided himself in carrying on the Mayo Clinic mantra of quality patient care. He had a great passion for music, art and a true love for Christmas. His annual Christmas parties were an indispensable sign of the season for those of us lucky enough to be invited to view the gorgeous decorations which he made himself. He is preceded in death by parents Pauline and Melvin Totz and friends, Paul Stanley and Cheyenne Ruangsinrassammee. He is survived by his brother Jon Totz and his wife Ellie Totz, their children Andrew Totz and his wife Alberta Totz, their children Rachael, Jacob and Ella and Dr. Kenneth Totz and his wife Margaret Totz, their children Samuel and Caroline; all of Houston. Also survived by his sister Molly Totz Johnson and her husband Brant Johnson of Concord, MA, their children Kimberly and her husband, Richard Rosenbaum and their children Lindsay, Finn, KC and Harley of Purchase, New York and their son Dr. Sean Johnson and his wife Dr. Ruta Johnson and son Morgan of Washington, DC. The funeral will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, January 14 at Beth Israel Memorial Gardens, 1101 Antione, Houston, TX. In lieu of flowers, we ask donations be sent to the Mayo Clinic in his honor to continue the legacy he begun.