John George Pantzer Jr.

1932 - 2016

John George Pantzer, Jr.

was born April 6, 1932, in Indianapolis, IN, to John and Susanne (Strieblen) Pantzer. John's mother died when he was five years old and he and his father lived many years with his grandmother, Cora (Nelson) Pantzer. He spent his boyhood summers in Sheboygan, WI with his father's sister, Laura (Pantzer) Vollrath and his cousins.

John attended Shortridge High School and completed his Eagle Scott prior to graduation in 1950. He graduated from Wabash College in 1954, where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. He earned his medical degree from Indiana University Medical School in 1958. After an internship at Baylor University in Houston, Texas, he returned to Indiana University to complete both general surgery and plastic surgery residencies. He became a diplomat of the Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in 1967, and had a private practice in Indianapolis. While practicing, he served as Chief of Staff at Methodist Hospital and was active in both the State and Marion County Medical Societies. In 1978, he served as President of the Ohio Valley Society of Plastic Surgeons. He also was the primary plastic surgeon for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he provided burn and reconstructive surgery for injured drivers. He retired from practicing medicine in 1992.

He was a member of the Indianapolis Museum of Art Board of Governors, where after retirement he served as a docent giving tours to junior high school students.  John valued his membership in Scientech, Gyro, Old Duffers and the Indianapolis Literary Club. An active member at Woodstock Club, he enjoyed playing tennis and golf with family and friends. He served on the Board of Directors of The University Club, where he was a member for many years.

John was a voracious reader of history and biographies of influential leaders.  He loved solving the daily New York Times crossword puzzles. He was connoisseur of fine wines and cars, and a past member of the local wine society and the Jaguar Club of Indianapolis. He had an intelligent wit and sharp sense of humor. He loved all sports, especially the Little Giants football games at Wabash, and was a big fan of Purdue football and basketball, holding season tickets for many years.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Anne Gidelle (Ream);and six children, Susan (Frank) Hyre, Elizabeth (Brian) Wilder, Cynthia (Amy) Radcliff, John (Holly) Pantzer, Julia (Craig) Church and Thomas (Kristen) Pantzer; and 18 grandchildren, whom he adored, Franklin (Flin), John (Jack), Meredith (Mimi), Davis, Mathews (Hews) Hyre; John (Hogan) and Camille Wilder; Madeleine, Hillary and William Radcliff; Sophia and Eleni Pantzer; Emily, Allison, Lilly and Andrew Church; John (JT), and Addison Pantzer.

Visitation will be Friday, March 11th at Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel, 740 E. 86th Street, Indianapolis from 4-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 12th at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, at 2:00 p.m. You are invited to visit the website www.leppertmortuary.com where you may share a personal memory of John, sign the guest book or in lieu of flower arrange a memorial contribution to Wabash College or the Indianapolis Museum of Art.