Frederick Karl Vontz MD

Dr. Vontz passed peacefully at home with family. He is survived by his loving wife, Sandy; his children, Greg Vontz (Danielle), Maureen Vontz, Kenneth Vontz (Julie), Karl Vontz; and four grandchildren, Lauren, Jackson, Kaley, and Zachary. He is also survived by his brother Christian Vontz (Chrystal) and two nephews, Thomas Vontz and Albert Vontz.

Fred was born in Aachen, Germany to Dr. Oskar Vontz and Dora Vontz. Much of his childhood was shaped by the harsh realities of WWII. Following the war, he obtained his medical degree in Germany. He came to this country in 1958 on a Fulbright scholarship where he interned at the Duval Medical Center which is now known as UF Shands. He loved and embraced the country becoming a naturalized citizen in 1961. He completed his fellowship in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery training at the University of Michigan. He was a pioneer in open heart bypass, as well as valve replacement surgeries. In 1968 he performed one of the first successful double valve replacements in the United States.

His surgical career spanned over 30 years in which he operated on hundreds of patients. In addition to his surgical practice, Fred served in many leadership roles at Baptist, Memorial, and Methodist hospitals, as well as for the American Heart Association.

Fred was a loving father and enjoyed spending time with his four children. They enjoyed sailing, scuba diving, running, and many other activities together. He was so very proud of each of them and their accomplishments. Fred’s hobbies, when time permitted, were sail boat racing and photography. After retirement, he found a passion for painting and became an avid watercolorist, spending many hours creating beautiful works of art.

Fred was a faithful member of San Jose Episcopal Church. Fred and Sandy have been ever so blessed to be a part of such a loving and caring church community. He will be missed by so many.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to San Jose Episcopal Church at http://www.sanjoseepiscopal.com/giving/pledge-card-.html

Dr. Vontz’s Memorial Service will be held July 2, 2016 at 2:00pm in the San Jose Episcopal Church at 7423 San Jose Blvd.