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Brian Francis Atz

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Indiana University Purdue University

FUNERAL HOME

D. O. McComb and Sons - Maplewood Park

4017 Maplecrest Rd.

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Brian Atz Obituary

BRIAN FRANCIS ATZ, The Lord has called to His side Brian Francis Atz, who died Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008, in Fort Wayne, as a result of complications from a tragic automobile accident that left him a quadriplegic, dependent on a respirator. Born March 19, 1956, Brian attended Holy Cross Lutheran Grade School and graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School in 1974, where he was active in Choir and sports. Brian attended Indiana University in Bloomington and obtained his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Purdue University in Fort Wayne. Brian also obtained a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling from St. Francis University. He was an active member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. He is survived by his parents, Norman and Rose Marie Atz; and brothers, Jeffry Atz (wife, Laurie); and Terry Atz (wife, Linda); and also was a dear and beloved uncle and great-uncle to nine nieces and nephews; and three great-nieces and nephews. "Brian will be missed greatly by his family, many friends, especially Kevin Roemke, whose friendship Brian cherished, and by each one of his dedicated nurses who cared for him daily." Service is 11 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 3425 Crescent Ave., Fort Wayne, with calling one hour prior at the church. Pastor Mark Neubacher officiating. Calling also from 6 to 9 p.m. today at D.O. McComb & Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home Chapel, 4017 Maplecrest Road. Interment in Lakeview Cemetery in Kendallville. Preferred memorials to Concordia Lutheran High School Choir or Holy Cross Lutheran Grade School Choir.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Dec. 22, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Atz

13 Entries

Julie Fleming

January 1, 2009

Brian has been a part of my life for the last 30 years. I meet him when I first moved to Indiana from Michigan. I was one of the many nurses who took care of him but one of many who cared and loved him. Brian and I went all over Fort Wayne in his van- school, shopping for stereo equipment to Christmas presents for his family. We fought like husband and wife but most of all had as much fun as we could. The days could be long for Brian and he loved it when people would stop in and visit. My children will always remember Halloween at Brian's. Many people have said to me " How can Brian keep going and have the will to live?" My response has always been- Brian Atz has given more life to all who knew him -more than we will ever realize - love and patience to start with... and he will live in my heart forever. Brian is running in heaven and looking out for all of us. Julie Fleming

Nicole Hawks

December 27, 2008

Brian was my GodFather, and although I did not see him often I will miss him greatly. My dad Carl Hawks was friends with Brian for quite some time. Brian will be in our prayers and thoughts always.

Eric Franke & Family

December 25, 2008

Dear Atz Family,

It is with great sadness that we heard on Christmas Day, of Brian's passing. He was such an impressive person with all he accomplished. My father (Dr. Gordon Franke) passed away 6 years ago now, but without question, to the day he died, of the thousands of patients he treated in his life, none made him prouder than Brian. He also loved Brian's passion for Notre Dame football, and always spoke of how Brian's face lit up when he met Lou Holtz, or went into the lockerroom at Notre Dame Stadium. God bless you for your care as well, for an incredible human being. He will be missed.

Betty Fick

December 23, 2008

To Mr. & Mrs Atz & Family,
We had the privilege of meeting Brian when Julie Fleming was one of his nurses over 23yrs. ago,and the time that Brian,Julie,& I went out to lunch and then back to your house for a visit. When Julies daughter Amanda was born I remember he had one of his nurses bring him up to the hospital to see Julie and the baby.Brian was a great guy.Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to all of you.
Julies (mother-in-law) Betty & Family.

Digger & Michele (Geist) Hoopengardner

December 23, 2008

We were so sorry to hear of Brian's passing. I can remember all the "rides " I got on Brian "wheels" when I was younger. He was a very caring man that will be missed, but I'm sure God will put him to good use for more of his work. Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Let your love for our Lord and Savior carry you through this difficult time.

Judy Poiry Daub

December 23, 2008

To the Family & Friends of Brian,
I had the privilege of meeting Brian sometime in the late '70s. I was working as an occupational therapist at Parkview. A friend/co-worker and I decided to do presentations to high school students on the consequences of drinking and driving. Brian heard about our project and asked if he could accompany us. We were thrilled to have him! With his nurse, Julie, he gave selflessly of his time and precious energy. His amiability,candor, and wit had a great impact on the students. Who knows how many lives he spared from disability, even death?
You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of this truly great man.

Joel Gerbers

December 22, 2008

I'm very sorry to hear about Brian's passing but I hope you find comfort in the fact that Brian is with his Savior and is no longer encumbered with his earthly challenges.

Jill Rodenbeck

December 22, 2008

Brian lived bravely and positively. I'm sorry for your loss. He was a very special person.

Parkview Hospital Interventional Radiology Department

December 22, 2008

Our deepest sympathy and most sincere thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Brian was a very special person with many qualities that will be treasured and remembered by us.

Laurie Scola

December 22, 2008

Jerry and I are very sorry to hear about Brian. No bond is as great as that between a parent and a child, no matter what age. You were truy blessed to have the time you had with Brian. You are in our prayers.

Leo and Shirleyanne Casso

December 22, 2008

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Floyd and Rochelle McBride

December 22, 2008

Our sympathies are with the family. We are the parents of Dawn Crandal and feel like we knew Brian as Dawn talked about him alot.

Janice Speece

December 22, 2008

Brian is at home with his Lord, probably singing Christmas/birthday songs! Brian shared a copy of a speech he had given, and it is something I'll cherish forever. He has been an inspiration to all of us ... an example of how to live.

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