[ACVM] Dr. John Gratzek

[Kristin A Clothier]

Hello colleagues,

I am saddened to inform you of the passing of Dr. John Gratzek, who was a charter diplomate of ACVM (1967).  He is well known for his contributions to veterinary virology, particularly for his work in aquatic animal diseases. Please see his obituary below.

Kris Clothier, DVM PhD DACVM
CAHFS Bacteriology Discipline Head
U.C. Davis
Kaclothier at ucdavis.edu<mailto:Kaclothier at ucdavis.edu>

John B. Gratzek

Dr. Gratzek (Minnesota,'56), 89, Athens, Georgia, died November 22, 2020.   A diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists, he was professor emeritus and department head in the Department of Medical Microbiology at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine since 1966 until retirement in 1993.

Following graduation, Dr. Gratzek attended The University of Wisconsin where he completed his masters (1959) and Ph.D. (1961).  He launched his academic career in at Iowa State University.  In 1966, he moved to Athens, Georgia where he worked closely with the aquarium and catfish industries to investigate fish diseases and husbandry problems.  He helped to integrate the study of fish diseases into veterinary medicine by coordinating workshops and presenting seminars internationally.   He authored or co-authored nearly a hundred publications, articles, abstracts and books primarily focused on fish diseases and husbandry.  He was awarded an Honorary Life Membership by the International Association of Aquatic Animal Medicine for his contributions.

 He is survived by his wife Kathleen, two sons, two daughters and seven grandchildren.  His daughter, Dr. Ann Gratzek, is a veterinary ophthalmologist in California and daughter-in-law, Dr. Megan Gratzek, is a general practitioner in Minnesota.

Memorials may be made to the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine, 501 DW Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602