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Gregory Foltz Obituary
Dr. Gregory D. Foltz
SEATTLE- Dr. Gregory D. Foltz, 50, formerly of Rochester, Ill., and St. Louis, Mo., passed away Thursday, June 27, 2013, at home surrounded by his loving family after a four year battle with pancreatic cancer. Dr. Foltz was born June 14, 1963, in Kansas City, Mo., the son of David and Shay Foltz. On July 3, 2005, he married Dr. Luba Lankerovich.
Dr. Foltz attended Rochester High School, SIU-Edwardsville, and Washington University Medical School. He then completed a neurosurgery residency in Seattle at the University of Washington.
Dr. Foltz began his medical career at the University of Iowa College of Medicine as an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery and Neurology. He returned to Seattle and became the founder and director of the non-profit Ben and Catherine Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment at the Swedish Neuroscience Institute. Dr. Foltz established research and biotech institutions in the Pacific Northwest, and devoted his life to eradicating brain cancer. He was instrumental in creating the Seattle Brain Cancer Walk to raise critical funds to further support brain cancer research. Dr. Foltz was a principal founder of Neurosurgery International, a non-profit educational organization for young neurosurgeons from developing countries. In addition to his career in medicine, Dr. Foltz was also a talented concert pianist.
Dr. Foltz is survived by his loving wife, Dr. Luba Foltz, and his beloved children, Clara and Benjamin at home; his parents, David and Carol Foltz of Rochester, Ill., and Shay and Gary Malcom of Sahuarita, Ariz.; his siblings: Michael Foltz of Chicago, Timothy Foltz of Williamsville, Christopher Foltz of Sahuarita, Ariz., and Cecelia (Cece) Foltz of Rochester; his in-laws, Michael and Olga Lankerovich of Kirkland, Wash.; grandfather, Ethredge Waid of Raytown, Mo., and step-grandmother, Evelyn Mertz of Springfield. Many stepsiblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive him. His grandparents, Lawrence and Bertha Foltz, and grandmother, Donna Waid, preceded Dr. Foltz in death.
Dr. Foltz's tireless commitment to enhancing the lives of people diagnosed with brain cancer has had a profound impact on patients and families throughout the country. His family, friends and the countless number of people he treated and interacted with throughout his career will sorely miss Dr. Foltz.
There will be a memorial gathering to recognize and honor the life of Dr. Foltz on July 15th at Seattle's Benaroya Hall. Memorials can be made to the Greg Foltz, M.D. Endowed Directorship at the Ben & Catherine Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment, Swedish Medical Center Foundation, 747 Broadway, Seattle, WA. 98122-4307.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gregory Foltz
Meagan (Meckna) Little
July 24, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss Luba... I miss you so much. Meagan
Richard & Bobbie Meidel
June 28, 2020
David & Sharon, remembering the passing of Gregory and his extraordinary life in his quest to help others. Our thoughts and prayers remain with you both.
Erik Greene
July 31, 2013
I will forever be grateful for this surgeon; in '07 he initiated the steps to respect 3 brain tumors from my skull, although I still deal w/ Brian tumors quite frequently. He helped lead the to way for me to understand the causes for the brain tumors that continue bless my life. Thank you Dr. Foltz!
July 25, 2013
Dr. Foltz gave my husband four months on this earth. I am very grateful for this time we had. For Dr. Foltz to leave this earth at the young age of 50 is only God's plan. God bless his memory. Sincerely, Anne Kask Sequim, Washington
Lisa Hahto-Aune
July 18, 2013
While those of us touched by the loss of this amazing man on earth fill our hearts with memories of gratefulness, praise and thanks, Dr. Foltz is surely continuing to fill the hearts of those in Heaven...with beautiful music.
diane
July 16, 2013
so many of dr. foltz patients mourn for his family and each other. dr. foltz saved my life by operating on me when no other doctor would. i feel very blessed to have known such a wonderful man. my sympathies to all.
Rich & Bobbie Meidel
July 8, 2013
David & Shay
Our heartfelt sympathy is with you both in your time of sorrow. To lose a child in his prime is without a doubt one of the most tragic and difficult times of our lives. To lose one who has contributed so much to mankind is a loss to us all. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you both
Randy & I in Cabo after Randy graduated high school while on hospice.
Joanne Greco
July 7, 2013
Dr Foltz help to give us Randy for another 3 years. When we learned Randy had a brain tumor, I got involved in the Seattle Brain Cancer Walk. Dr Foltz got Randy into his clinic ans started treating him. He was on hospice when Randy first saw him. With Dr Foltz's team Randy's tumor kept on shrinking. It's been 4 years now since we met him and we are fortunate to have known him. He cared very much for all of hes patients and was determined to cure brain cancer. I believe he would have had cancer not taken Dr Foltz himself. He loved his job and he loved his patients. He will surely be missed. Randy is on hopsice now and doesn't have much time left, but I'm sure Dr Flotz will be there to welcome Randy when he gets to that Pearly Gate. We haven't told Randy yet and I don't think we should, instead we will let him be delighted when he sees him in Heaven rather than grieving on Earth. Randy loved Dr Foltz. He was a people's doctor
Juanita Mander
July 6, 2013
With much sadness I learned of the passing of Dr. Foltz. Such a talented and caring man who gave many, myself included, a new life with his skillful surgery. I will forever be grateful to Dr. Foltz. My prayers go out to his family.
Nancy and Steven Carpenter
July 6, 2013
We are blessed to have known him. Dr. Foltz was a brilliant man - both talented and kind. Our prayer is that his children will know how truly amazing their daddy was. Our prayers are with the Foltz family.
Natalie Taylor
July 5, 2013
My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to the Foltz family. Greg was a classmate and friend. I will always remember him as a talented and extremely kind person. May all those suffering from his loss soon find comfort and peace.
Chip Grimm
July 5, 2013
I'm very saddened to hear that Greg passed. The world has lost a talented and great man. Prayer to the Foltz family.
Bob Buskis
July 4, 2013
My thoughts and prayers to the Foltz Family, I enjoyed our friendship during high school and always knew Greg would become someone very special.
Kevin Cory
July 4, 2013
What a terrific classmate that helped change the world for the better. My condolences to the family, thinking of you during this difficult time.
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