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 from 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 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 his 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