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University of California Los Angeles

Marcel Krauthammer Obituary

KRAUTHAMMER Marcel. Beloved son (Thea), husband (Joy), father (Aviva), brother (Charles), uncle (Daniel), brother in law (Robyn, Faye), friend and teacher. For over 20 years, professor of medicine at UCLA, brilliant pulmonologist, honored clinician and teacher, humanitarian, devoted ba'al koreh, community leader. Died January 17 in Los Angeles. Of cancer, which he fought for 17 years with courage, defiance and indomitable spirit.

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

Published by New York Times on Jan. 24, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Marcel Krauthammer

30 Entries

Veda (Elman) Charrow

January 18, 2023

Who could forget Marcel. He wore a suit or sports coat and tie to school (usually with a vest)!!!-all of which was not required at Herzliah. He was always very well turned out. He was also a complete gentleman, and spoke very well (and very fast) in class. Needless to say, he was very smart.
I still think of him, and what a loss it was when he died.

Eddy B

December 12, 2018

My Deepest and Sincerest Condolences on the passing of a CHAMPION!!! My thoughts and prayers to his family! Dr. Krauthammer was a sincere individual and wonderful Dr. and academic. While I never meet him I did enjoy watching and listening very closely to him on FOX news! He Lived the life he really wanted! And he will be missed! Rest In Peace Dr. Krauthammer!!! God bless.

Trudy Barrett

June 21, 2018

I never met you in person. But enjoyed so much watching you on Fox you were so interesting. I never went to college but understood what you were saying you put it in such a way for anyone to understand. They will never be another Charles Krauthammer your wife and son will be in my prayers thank you so much for your intellect . And humor you will truly be missed

Robert Reiss

April 18, 2018

Dr. Krauthammer was one of my professors during my residency at the Sepulveda VA. He had an encyclopedic knowledege of medicine and was an important role model for us. I wish I had the opportunity to learn more from him.

Nancy Toth

November 19, 2017

Our home admired Charles for his life, the obstacles he over came, and his passion and love of County. We always watched him on Fox, we'll miss him, we are so sad today. Prayers for he and his family.

Joy Krauthammer

February 24, 2006

TO YOU who have shared condolences with us, Marcel's family.

This is the last day of the Guest Book, following five weeks of mourning, and my last chance here to again say THANK YOU for all the condolences that you have sent to us.

I share sympathy with you because like us, you too have suffered a loss, whether playing with Marcel as a child, learning in school with him, or sharing our adult lives professionally or spiritually. (I hear that golf was spiritual for Marcel).

This morning I awoke with a dream of Marcel packing for a long trip. I could tell because the huge soft suitcase, outweighing all airline limitations I am sure, was open and filled as always with tons of medical journals and papers to go through, to read late into the night.

I have gone to visit with Marcel at the grave site and he must be pleased at what a lovely new setting it is in; just what Marcel wanted, on a slope surrounded with flowering plants and trees and with a view of the scenic Santa Suzanna Mountains all around, and a bench for me to sit on.

You don't even have to call me on my cell phone anymore to say "Hi Marcel" and share blessings with Marcel in the ICUs as I put the phone on his ear; you yourself can now call out to him, and Marcel can hear you. Just listen. And on the 17th of Tevet each year, January 17th, you can light a Yahrzeit memorial candle for Marcel, say the Kaddish prayer and do a Mitzvah in his memory, for the zehut of his neshamah / merit of his soul.

May our beloved Marcel rest in peace.

Blessings to you for health and joy.

JOY

Tamar Krieger

February 23, 2006

Aviva- I am so sorry for your loss. I know we havent spoken in some years but you are in my thoughts during this very difficult time. Im sending you love

Joy Krauthammer

February 22, 2006

Dear Gail, and Miriam, and Jack,

Thank you for sharing your memories and your sympathies with us, Marcel's family.

Marcel was clearly the most brave person imaginable. His attributes inspired many people over the years. It was a long difficult journey and Marcel is now at peace.

UCLA last week published a special obituary on Marcel's medical career. You can Google the obit to learn more. Miriam, AECOM should be sending it out to the '71 class. From Einstein, Jerry Dreyer had taken good care of Marcel, and Lester and Marlene Asch were at the funeral as well. Gail, friends from South Bay Chabad who were at our wedding 31 years ago came to Shiva. That was comforting and Aviva got to meet them. Jack, I know from Marcel that your youthful friendship was meaningful.

Thank you for the condolences. Blessings of health and joy to you.

Joy

Miriam Levitt

February 20, 2006

Dear Joy:

Marcel was my classmate at Einstein. Because of alphabetical proximity, and friendly choice, we were in many courses together there.

I remember one day particularly, because Marcel had received some bad news on the telephone, just as we began a long and involved Psych seminar. Although I was able to detect his reaction, he flicked not so much as an eyelash before sitting down and participating fully, and brilliantly, in the session. I have always remembered his bravery, and when I care for my patients in the wake of personal disappointment (we all have some, of course) I still use him as a model.

Please allow me to extend my sympathy to you, and to your family, on your great loss.

Sincerely,

Miriam Levitt, MD

AECOM '71

Rick Waltman

February 13, 2006

It is reassuring to know there are decent human beings who lived the caliber of life that Marcel did. I have followed Charles in the media for many years and have greatly appreciated his common sense, decency and uncanny ability to incisively see the issues for what they really are. It is easy to see that this high character and keen perception of the important things in life runs in the family. What a wonderful tribute to brotherhood and the most important things in life. God bless!

Gail Ruder

February 7, 2006

Dear Joy

I met you and Marcel so many years ago. I remember Marcel as a sweet, humorous young man. I know the story of how you two first met and when I bumped into you a few years ago at a theater performance,and you told me about Marcel's long fight, I was very upset for both of you.. You and Marcel were always special people and I'm so sorry that you both had to bear such heavy burdens these past years.May you and Aviva find comfort in your memories.

Fondly,

Gail Ruder

Adam N

February 6, 2006

Dear Charles, Joy and families,

I was very saddened to hear of your loss. May Hashem console you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem, and may his memory be a blessing.

Adam

Mike Jacobs

February 4, 2006

Charles:

Reading of the loss of your brother touched my soul,

Knowing that a piece of you is also gone.

But the gift Marcel gave to you is still complete and whole,

For in his legacy, that brotherly love between you still carries on.

In the Joy of his wife which that namesake so beautifully did express,

Of how Marcel achieved his greatest dream, in a marriage divine,

To see his daughter in her wedding dress,

His bond of love did not die at fifty-nine.

-

Linda Piatek

February 1, 2006

To the Krauthammer Family -

My deepest sympathy to you.

I didn't have the privilege of knowing Marcel. I read of your loss in Charles Krauthammer's column in The Daily Herald newspaper. Your family can be proud of the courage, determination and love that Marcel possessed. This is very evident from the loving tribute written by his brother.

I lost my brother and mother-in-law last year and know that it can be very difficult at times. Keep in mind that fond memories are God's way of healing an aching heart.

I will pray for him and your family. May God bless you.

Judy Matz

January 30, 2006

Dear Joy, Aviva, and Family,

We were so sorry to read of Marcel's death. We have many fond memories of the times we spent together and of davening with you in the old Heschel/Ramat Zion minyan. We remember Marcel in his prime and after his first surgery. He was a wonderful person, of great courage and character. May you be comforted among the mourners in Zion and Jerusalem.

With our deepest sympathies,

Judy, Dany, Sara, Jonathan, and Talia Matz

Joy Krauthammer

January 29, 2006

(Forwarded from mail to Joy so that others may learn more about my beloved husband, Marcel, may he rest in peace.)

from Dr. Mike Golub

(Medical Dir. Sepulveda VA Medical Center.)

To the Krauthammer Family,

How beautiful were the words spoken by rabbis, friends and family in the hills of Mt. Sinai in honor of a wonderful person. Marcel was a teacher to us all. For those of us who study medicine, Marcel was the ultimate teacher. Not just the expertise that he brought to his specialty, pulmonary medicine, not just his skill in reading chest x-rays (how excellent that there is a wonderful home for his collection at UCLA's Radiology Dep't.), but more importantly what he taught us about caring and consideration.

And Marcel taught us the joy of finding your area of skill and honing it. He loved those things he could perfect, be it golf or teaching. I think back fondly upon the times we spent together, the house-staff softball game where I brought my son and Marcel brought Aviva and he pitched in his Sandy Koufax jersey. I am thankful I was able to quickly stop by on Monday morning to say good-bye. We will miss him dearly. All our best wishes from his colleagues at Sepulveda VA.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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from Darlene Rose

(Reb Shlomo Carlebach's chevre, The Happy Minyan, where Marcel loved to pray on the High Holidays with Joy and Aviva, and loved going to Malaveh Malkahs, deeply enjoying the Chasidic concerts.)

Dear Joy, Aviva, Brett, Thea and Charles,

Your holy, compassionate, brave, sweet and dedicated husband, father, son and brother is a Kiddush Hashem. He is like Avraham Avinu who was tested and grew into spiritual, intellectual and physical greatness on every level of his soul. And, along with him and all of you, so many of your friends and loved ones have come to know of all G-d's blessings even in the most difficult of times through your own faith, devotion, love. and example.

Despite all his suffering, Marcel knew the deepest love, friendship and honor and his soul is now with his Creator who cherishes him. He is so precious to so many, and so are you. May his soul be bound in eternal life under the sheltering wings of HaKodesh Baruch Hu. May it comfort you to remember the teaching that, "According to the difficulty is the reward". May the friendship, compassion and support of all of us who love you bring you comfort and strength among the mourners of Zion. I love you, Darlene

(Darlene, when Marcel was hospitalized for many cancer surgeries at Cedars-Sinai, interceded administratively on our behalf, and stayed comforting us until very late at night and through Marcel's lengthy medical journey. JOY)

~ ~ ~

Joy Krauthammer

January 28, 2006

My loving Faye & Jim,

The following entry is in response to your Guest Book request wanting to hear memories of Marcel, may he rest in peace. Before my beloved husband Marcel died, in response to one of my last "Updates" on "Never giving up" and "Leadership", the following are letters that I received both from the man responsible for our sunny California life, and another from a man who as a new friend at Esalen, mentored Marcel in enjoying this Pacific Coast life on the "greens."

The first is from Marcel's very first "Boss" in California and in Pulmonary, at UCLA/Harbor General Hospital, following Marcel's NY residency at Long Island Jewish Hospital. It is because of Dr. Karlman Wasserman that we don't shovel snow (since 1974) to get to work, and that we have wonderfully loving, supportive friends/colleagues (in addition to family) on the West Coast.

Blessings, JOY

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Dear Joy, I agree that Marcel never shirked from doing the extraordinary things asked of him. One of those was his phenomenal chest x-ray collection (which was just given a new home at UCLA Radiology Dep't.) and the great skill that he developed in building the collection.

Marcel has remained optimistic, courageous and acted charitable, as I witnessed at a Palm Springs (Pulmonary doctor's) meeting 10-12 years ago, despite his having undergone brain surgery and his knowledge that his brain tumor limited him and would limit him further in the future, bringing him to his current state. Yes, he also demonstrated leadership at the (annual) Palm Springs meetings. But after he became ill, he showed us the stuff that he was made of. He did not behave as though he felt sorry for himself but appeared to live every minute. I remember Marcel's incredible smile and courage as we conversed at our last meeting, and that is how I want to remember him.

With love and blessings to you, Aviva and, especially Marcel."

Karl Wasserman

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

From Leo DeLong, whom I had the pleasure of meeting with Marcel in Palm Springs. I had discovered a golf workshop at Esalen and Marcel actually listened to me, registered and went to Big Sur where he loved meeting Leo.

"Joy:

Thank you for sending me this Update e-mail. Marcel is a fighter if not on the physical plane, on the spiritual. Though he can no longer speak, he speaks to each one of us through his courage and will to survive all these many years. You are so right about Marcel trying to be the best he could be at whatever he focused his attention on. He mastered the art of golf to the extent his physical capabilities allowed him to. Mentally was another story when it came to the game of golf. He knew all the subtle nuances of the game and the swing. When we talked about the mechanics of the game we were one spirit. We understood each other's thoughts on the subject after the first sentence. We were communicating non verbally from then on. Our spirits were in tune with one another.

He was a master joke teller as well. His timing was impeccable. I would put him on the stage against any of the top comedians. He was a multi talented individual. I'm glad that he came into my life. I am much richer for it.

My prayer for Marcel is that the cancer and the tumors be removed from his body and that his spine be strengthened and straightened and that he returns to perfect health so that we can once again walk down the fairways of the game he loved so much.

This is the prayer I continue to say and will say until Marcel decides it is time to move on. One day we will meet again if not in this lifetime the next and I will look forward to hearing his latest joke.

May G*D continue to give you and your family strength.

Your friend,"

Leo

~ ~ ~

Chris Hadden

January 28, 2006

Dear Aviva, Brett, Joy, Thea, Charles

I am so sorry. I mourn with you on your loss. May the Lord comfort you in your time of sorrow. I was so happy to learn of him through you Aviva. As you comforted me with my Father's passing, know that my thoughts are with you and your family.

Father of the Bride

January 28, 2006

Faye & Jim

January 28, 2006

Our beloved sister, Joy and Aviva,

We hope you will help us remember and know more of dear Marcel's younger, healthy years. We love you, mourn with you, and hope your better days will return soon.

Your Faye and Jim

Faye Melton

January 28, 2006

Dear Charlie, Robbie, and Danny,

Thank you for speaking, January 18, of the essential Marcel. Jim and I had just moved to Northridge when he began his life-fight, so I knew him too little by then. I've long wished I could know him better on his own terms. I've most welcomed and thanked him for being Aviva's splendid father, but I've also admired his brilliance and appreciated his generosity (my wedding ceremony in his home especially). He took Joy and Aviva on wonderful vacations. Marcel always was concerned for my welfare.

When I invaded his invalid space, he tried to be gracious and thanked me. Charlie, I've loved your brother and hope to remember most the Marcel Joy fought for, the Marcel who was so admirable.

My condolences to you and Thea.

G Traylor

January 27, 2006

Dear Charles -

I read your wonderful column on Marcel; he sounded like a special man. My heartfelt sympathies to the entire Krauthammer family, and to Marcel's friends and colleagues.

Jack Morgenstein

January 26, 2006

Dear Thea, Charlie, Joy, and Aviva and Brett (whom I have not yet had the privilege to meet),

I was truly saddened to hear of Marcel's passing. We were childhood and boyhood friends (I still remember Playing the Stock Market game on Shabbat in Long Beach, together with Marcel and with you, Charlie, until your father (may he rest in peace) would tell us that we were making too much noise).

Marcel, my old friend, may you rest in peace.

Ha-makom yenachem etchem betoch she'ar availay Tzion Ve'Yerushalayim -- May the Lord comfort you all among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Love,

Jack

Sheldon Rosenbaum

January 25, 2006

To Joy, Thea, Charles, Aviva and Brett.

My sincerest condolences on the loss of your dearest Marcel and my good friend.

Joy Krauthammer

January 25, 2006

Dear community,

Thank you for your condolences on the passing over January 17, 2006 of Marcel zt'l, Menachem Elimelech ben Shulim, my beloved husband of 31 years and loving father to our daughter, Aviva, and her husband, Brett Freedman. Following a challenging metastatic brain cancer of 18 years, may Marcel rest in peace. Marcel was a valiant fighter whose faith in Hashem, along with his willpower, strength, courage, fortitude, perseverance, patience and hope kept Marcel alive to reach our daughter's wedding, his greatest dream.

Blessings,

Joy Krauthammer

Veda Charrow

January 25, 2006

Charles - So very sorry to learn of Marcel's untimely death. He was my classmate at Herzliah High, and I have only fond memories of him. May his memory be a blessing.

Dr. Edward Katz

January 25, 2006

Sorry to learn of Marcel's passing. We were classmates many years ago at United Talmud Torahs. I see that he had a very distinguished career in academic medicine, but I remember him best as one of the nicest kids in our class.

Ted Kraminer

January 25, 2006

We were saddened to read the news of Marcels untimely passing. We have fond memories of times not so long ago spent together. May the family be spared further sorrow.

Brona Kraminer-Rosen

January 24, 2006

My sympathies to the family he left to mourn him. I remember when he was young, we lived in Montreal, and Marcel and Charles came to play in our home with my two younger brothers, Ted and Mark.

I am saddened and wish you only good things from now on.

Sincerely,

Brona Kraminer-Rosen

Gloria & Rick Leckner

January 24, 2006

Charles- Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your dear brother. Sincerely

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