David M. Katchka

David M. Katchka, MD 1915 - 2008 David M. Katchka, MD of the Woodlands in Ottawa Hills passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 17, 2008 at The Toledo Hospital. David was born July 11, 1915 in Pontiac, Michigan. He attended schools in Michigan, Ohio and New York and then went on to the University of Michigan where he earned his Bachelor of Science and Medical Doctor Degrees. Professionally, David served his intern and residency years at The Toledo Hospital where he met and fell in love with a young Registered Nurse, Elsie J. Thrailkill, whom he married in January, 1941. Over their sixty-seven years of marriage they raised three children, Rebecca J. Acklin Col. James M. III of Darnestowne MD, D. Thomas Katchka of Reston VA and Susan Penny K. Staelin Stephen H. of Toledo; and lovingly welcomed into the family six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. At the beginning of his career David planned to train as a surgeon. However, during World War II, due to a physical deferment and with a shortage of civilian medical doctors in Toledo, he focused on administering anesthesia for the limited surgical group at The Toledo Hospital. That led to a career in the emerging specialty of anesthesiology as he was a founding partner of Katchka, Friedman, Crider Medical Corp now Anesthesiology Consultants of Toledo which provided anesthesia services to The Toledo Hospital, supervising the anesthesia residency program and training many of the anesthesiologists who staffed hospitals in Toledo and northwest Ohio. From 1943 to 1967 he was Director of Anesthesia at The Toledo Hospital where he helped popularize regional anesthesia and introduced caudal, epidural and spinal anesthesia to northwest Ohio in the late 1940s. He served tirelessly as an officer of the Toledo Hospital Medical Executive Committee from 1958 to 1974 including terms as Director of Surgery from 1967 to 1974 and Chief of Staff from 1969 to 1974. During the 1950s he was a founder of the Toledo Society of Anesthesiologists and a Founding Member of the World Congress of Anesthesiologists, Copenhagen. He established the Toledo Hospital Anesthesia Residency Program giving his time unselfishly to young colleagues. Retiring from active practice of medicine in 1985, he continued to attend medical staff meetings and lectures to learn about advances in medicine and enjoy the company of his many friends and colleagues. Throughout his career, Davids big personality was full of energy and good humor. Stories abound about his bringing sunshine to the operating rooms with his singing of opera and Broadway show tunes as the consummate sand man. David had a profound dedication and love for the medical profession and his chosen specialty. His keen intellect and skill in his profession won him the high respect of his colleagues and his patients. Davids other interests included golf, the stock market and travel with Elsie and friends. He was very proud to note he had visited every continent except Antarctica, and took every opportunity to visit Rotary Clubs around the world to share good fellowship and understanding. When a club was lacking a speaker, he would gladly fill in and expound on the virtues of living in Toledo, the state of medical practice in the United States, or any other topic where he had expertise. An average golfer, he was almost scratch from within a hundred yards, often breaking the backs of his opponents with his skills around the green. David had a dynamic personality, a big in heart, was sage, insightful and extremely generous in a quiet unpretentious way. During his lifetime, Dr. Katchka was a member of the American Medical Association; The University of Michigan Alumni Association; all local, regional, national and international anesthesia organizations; Epworth United Methodist Church, Rotary Club of Toledo, Toledo Shriners and Highland Meadows Golf Club. The pride and joy of his life was his beloved Elsie and his family. . We will remember all the wonderful family gatherings we shared with David and Elsie and the life lessons and lasting values which have been a solid foundation for happy and productive lives. David is survived by Elsie and their three children Becky, Tom and Penny; grandchildren J. Thomas Acklin MD, Amy A. Beech, Elizabeth H. Katchka JD Christian Ostermann, PhD all of Washington DC, Kinsey A. Katchka PhD of Raleigh MD, and S. Tyler Staelin MD Kathryn of Nashville TN; great grandchildren Casey Acklin, Rebecca and Elizabeth Beech, Fielding H. and Tennyson Tess G. Staelin. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Tiffany E. Staelin. A family service has been planned for a later date. Those offering an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Epworth United Methodist Church 3077 Valleyview Drive, Ottawa Hills, OH 43615-2236, the Toledo Community Foundation Tiffany Fund 608 Madison Ave Suite 1540, Toledo, OH 43604-1151, Toledo Rotary Foundation One Stranahan Square, Suite 246, Toledo, Ohio 43604 or a charity of the donors choice. Arrangements by Walker Funeral Home. Online condolences at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.