Service Details
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 3, 2019 at 1:00 pm in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home with Rabbi Martyn Adelberg officiating. A memorial luncheon will follow. Friends can meet with the family at the funeral home on Sunday from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. Burial will take place in Shalom Memorial Park (1700 W. Rand Road Arlington Heights, IL 60004) on Monday, March 4th at 10:00 am with Shiva to follow.
Memorial Suggestions
Memorials to Rimland Services (providing a welcoming home to individuals with autism) 1265 Hartrey Ave. Evanston, IL 60202 have been suggested.
Order Flowers from Family Selected Florists
Flowers by Joseph
Racine – Michael A. Ganz, MD; age 60; passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 25, 2019, as the result of a heart attack.
Michael was born in Chicago, IL on March 30, 1958 to Victor and Lorraine (nee: Greenman) Ganz. He graduated from Niles West High School – Skokie in 1976 and went on to dedicate himself to his education and fulfill his dreams of being a doctor. Michael received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University of Illinois – Champaign, earned his Doctor of Medicine from Chicago Medical School, served his Residency at University of Illinois Hospital, and completed his Fellowship in Allergy & Immunology at Northwestern University Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Dr. Ganz came to Racine and went on to establish Ganz Allergy & Asthma Clinic in 1998 – enhancing the lives of thousands of patients during his career. Dr. Ganz was a dedicated, compassionate, intelligent, and unbelievably caring doctor to every single patient. He will always be remembered for his kind and genuine character.
Mike had a love for reading and learning. He loved history, movies, grilling out, and spending time with his family. Mike was very active and enjoyed skiing, golfing, and biking. He always enjoyed a great find; whether it was an arrowhead on a hike in Arizona, a hole-in-the-wall bookstore in the heart of New York City, or an exact replica of a sword from The Lord of the Rings. Mike shared a deep love for Chicago sports with his father and passed on his love for the Bears, the Cubs, and the Blackhawks to his girls. Mike’s Olde English Bulldogs, Olive and Winston brought him endless joy in the last 6 years. They were his loyal companions and his best friends. Above all else, there was nothing he loved more than his 3 gorgeous girls. They were his entire life and he told everyone he knew just how proud he was to be their dad. Carly, Jennifer, and Elena could always count on him for a classic dad joke, a selfie with the dogs, or a goodnight text.
Surviving are Mike’s beloved daughters Carly Elizabeth Ganz, Jennifer Rose (Nathan Abrahamson) Ganz and Elena Renee Ganz; mother, Lorraine Ganz; former wife & forever best-friend, Susan (nee: Horne) Ganz; sister, Leslie (Larry) Susler; brothers, Dr. Robert (Keri) Ganz and Phillip Ganz; niece, Sarah Susler; nephews, Gabriel, Zander & Harlow Ganz; loyal canine companions, Winston & Olive; the entire Horne family, his office staff family, and an abundance of faithful friends. Michael was preceded in death by his father, Victor Ganz, in 2014.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 3, 2019 at 1:00 pm in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home with Rabbi Martyn Adelberg officiating. A memorial luncheon will follow. Friends can meet with the family at the funeral home on Sunday from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. Burial will take place in Shalom Memorial Park (1700 W. Rand Road Arlington Heights, IL 60004) on Monday, March 4th at 10:00 am with Shiva to follow. Memorials to Rimland Services (providing a welcoming home to individuals with autism) 1265 Hartrey Ave. Evanston, IL 60202 have been suggested.
Anonymous says
Mike was a kind and generous man. His death was truly a shock to all. Pam Harris
Marilyn Helm says
Dr. Ganz ; not just a doctor to me but a very special friend. We had many personal conversation and he would confide in me because I was his oldest patient but friend. There will be none other like him and he will be sadly missed. Heaven has truly gained an angel. My prayers and condolences are with the family. My heat is sad and broken. Rest now and we shall meet again. Miss you already my dear friend.
Diane Kamm says
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Ganz. He was a wonderful doctor and such a nice guy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Patricia Goepfert says
My greatest sympathy to his family and staff. Dr Ganz was my doctor since he started practice in Racine over 25 years ago. He and his staff served my needs more than any other doctor I have ever had. He had a generous heart and a true caring for his fellow man. He was always there to help when I needed him. You will be missed.
Mike and Heidi Mullane says
To the family of Michael Ganz, MD. We are so sorry for your loss. We are so very saddened by Mike’s death. May you find peace.
Cary and Pam Millstein Chicago Il says
Dear Ganz Family, We we’re fortunate to have known Michael these past 10 yrs. He was always friendly, likable, and engaging. He will be missed. Our deepest sympathies to all of you.
Dorothy Agoro says
Doctor Ganz was the first doctor to properly diagnose me with allergies. And prescribed medication and allergy shots that really helped my condition.
I was so elated to be a patient of his 7yrs ago. Because of his proper diagnosis. Being that no other doctor diagnosis was accurate. Nor was I ever tested until I got my Ist appointment with his nurse at his office.
My Prayers and Condolences to his family and love one.
I will never forget him because I improve so much after his diagnosis and preventive meds.
I was rather disappointed when I had to change to another Allergist. But continue my prescribed meds from him with another Allergist as well. So I was satisfied as I always related him as my doctor that diagnosed my sickness on key. Thank You so kindly
RIP Dr. Ganz
Ken Beider says
A childhood friend, and in every sense of the word. I remember him as having great an abundance of humor and being a truly nice human being. I haven’t seen him in almost 45 years, and yet it’s so easy to picture him in my mind’ eye and to hear his laugh.
Rest In Peace, Buddy.
Diane Hanson says
I’m shocked and saddened by the loss of Dr Ganz. He helped me with my allergies and asthma more than any other Dr. He would make you feel like family, and take time to visit with you. What a true loss of a kind and caring person. He truly cared about his patients. My prayers for his family and office staff who will truly miss him.
Muniz Family says
Mike you will be missed. Was just reminiscing about the days of the Racine County Pharmacists Association and having you as a speaker in the 90’s. You were always available to spread the true word of medicine in easy to understand terms. Our condolences to your family and staff.
Michelle Hudson Payne says
Dr. Ganz was both of my daughter’s doctor until we moved from Racine four years ago. We had some really meaningful conversations about life choices, race, marriage, our girls and the list goes on. He had even committed to helping my youngest daughter with an Internship when the time came. Ironically we were planning to call in March. My prayers are extended for the girls and (their mother) his best friend!!! May the Blessings Be.
Nancy Huck says
I’m very sad to
hear about Dr. Ganz. He had been my allergist since the beginning of his practice. He was the only Dr. that ever understood my asthma. He will be missed so much. My sympathy and prayers to all of his family and his staff at the clinic.
Nancy Huck
Shirley Meldgaard-Vnuk says
I also was one of Dr. Ganz’s first patients. I finally was able to receive proper treatment for my allergies and I was a patient with him all these years . My children and grandchildren were also patients. He was thorough in his diagnosis, only a phone call away when we needed him, kind, compassionate, and caring. It is a sad time to learn of his untimely death. He will be so missed by all of us. Our sincere sympathy to his family.
Christine and Ashton Spaulding says
Deepest sympathies to all who loved Dr Ganz! He took great care of my son and I for over 14yrs. He was so caring that he made sure I had his cell phone number incase my son had an asthma attack after hours.
Great doctors are so hard to find and he will be deeply missed!
D. Guziewicz says
My condolences to the family and staff members of Dr. Ganz. I was truly blessed to be a patient of his. He completely changed my quality of life after so many other allergists failed. He will be greatly missed.
Pattie Klinkhammer says
Dr. Ganz was my doctor and friend for almost 20 years! He went over and beyond to help me even giving me his cell phone number to call if I was sick on vacation or needed anything while the office was closed! He would call and follow up as well! His kindness, sincerity and smile will be dearly missed! My heart is broken and my condolences to all his family. Thank you Dr. Ganz for making a difference in my life as well as so many others! Until we meet again friend❤️
Joan DeLeon says
I’ve been a patient for a very long time. My heart is saddened to hear of his passing. Dr. Ganz was always friendly, caring and took the time to listen. I remember fondly him taking me to his office and showing pictures of his two old English bulldog puppies. He was easy to talk to. I remember his daughters helping at the office when they were young. To his family my heartfelt condolences and prayers. To all of the ladies at Ganz allergy and asthma in Racine, Jesse my thoughts and prayers. Thank you Dr. Ganz for years of help and treatment for allergies, you will be missed.
Jilk Lonergan says
Dearest Dr Ganz you were such a special Dr. I also had many allergies & Dr Ganz was so on target with my treatment. My shots worked so well & he was more of a friend & like family. His wonderful staff Abbey,, RN Jessie, Hannah & I know I’m missing one more. When my insurance was found not to be in network he still took care of me &we worked out some payment arrangements. I will never forget you & all of your kindnesses!
I can’t say enough like so many my ❤️ heart is broken. Heaven has gained another great 👨⚕️ physician. I will miss you dearly. What Dr when you walk into his office (when he had an office in Kenosha) greets you by name & offers you a cup of coffee?
You are irreplaceable!
My deepest sympathies & condolences to his daughters & family.
Thank you Dr Ganz
Jill Lonergan
Kim and Ben Brussat says
Dr. Ganz was a very good doctor, and a kind man. Our sympathy to his family and friends.
Tom and Cheryl Brouillard says
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. We are keeping your family in prayer. May you find peace through the memories you’ve shared ❤️
Jesse and Jodie Schartner says
Jen and Nathan–Our condolences to you. Your father sounded like a special person. Cherish the memories. We are the parents of Riley.
Cindy Koss says
My very heartfelt sympathies to the Ganz family and his staff. All of the memorials I have been reading mirror the experiences I have had with Doctor Ganz. He was always there, sincerely and genuinely,
to help when no one else could or would. Today, one of the good ones is gone, way too soon. With a heavy heart, I will forever feel privileged and thankful to have had him for my doctor.
Nik Raju says
I am deeply saddened to hear about Dr. Ganz’s passing. Dr. Ganz was very kind to let me shadow him at his practice when I was a 2nd year medical student in 2017. He was very encouraging and supportive of my interest in allergy/immunology. Even though I only spent a day with him, his kindness, intelligence, enthusiasm, and compassion toward his patients really stood out and left a mark on me. My condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Martha Oppeneer says
I have been a patient of Dr. Ganz for the past 26 years. When I arrived at his office, I was gasping for air after having been ill and misdiagnosed for 6 months. He immediately diagnosed me with asthma and severe allergies and worked tirelessly to stabilize me and keep me healthy. Dr. Ganz was brilliant, innovative, and always on top of new medical research, wanting to offer the best care possible to his patients. He was also kind, compassionate and personable. It is difficult to imagine our health care community without him! My heart goes out to his family, who has lost an incredible man. My favorite Dr. Ganz story is still the time I ran into him when I was riding my bike and he was walking his bulldogs. As he regaled me with stories of the joy they had brought to his life, the dogs drooled enthusiastically all over my biking shoes (causing significant consternation to our cats when I returned home!). I asked about his dogs during appointments, and he never failed to show me entertaining photos. His heart was so full of love: for his dogs, his family and his patients.
Susan Meitner says
Dr. Ganz was the best doctor I ever had. I had wished he could have been my primary. I have thought of him often through the years. To his family, I am very sorry for the loss of your father and husband. To his staff and patients, he will be missed, I’m sure.
Ann Henkes says
I had the good fortune to know the Ganz family as an Art teacher of the girls while they attended Gifford Elementary. I also saw Dr. Ganz as a patient. This was very sad news. Please accept my condolences to the entire Ganz family. May you gain strength and support from one another in the days to come.
Kimberly Zlevor says
Kimberly Zlevor
My heartfelt sympathies to the Ganz family. Dr Ganz was a compassionate, patient-centered physician and a wonderful human being. He will be truly missed. Rest In Peace, my friend.
Anonymous says
Dr. Ganz was an excellent Doctor who truly took pride in his work. He went the extra mile for those who knew him. More doctors should fellow his compassionate lead. He will be missed.
T Owen-Coombs says
I am thankful to have met Dr. Ganz. He did an interview and stood up for the residents of Racine by educating us about the effects of particle dust from the coal plant. He was so kind, and thoughtful, and such a humanitarian. Blessings to the family. Godspeed Michael
Kristen Anderson says
My deepest condolences to the Ganz family during this time. I had the great pleasure of working with Dr G for 2 1/2 years. Dr. G was not just a friend and coworker but a mentor to me. He taught me so much about being a genuine health care provider. He believed in me in way and gave me a lot of confidence to pursue my career dream of becoming of a nurse. We shared so many conversations and text messages over our love for the Chicago Cubs. Watching the Cubs win the World Series together will always be one of my fondest memories. Thank you for everything, Dr G.
Jodi Fidler says
So very shocked and saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of dear Dr. Ganz. I have known him for decades, both professionally and as a former patient. If I was ever ill, I could call him anytime and he did everything in his power to make me feel better, and he always did! After many years of allergy shots, he took care of me so well that I no longer needed to see him for those once so miserable symptoms. He was truly the best at his craft. God bless the entire Ganz family…he will be missed!
Greg and Marianne Cooper and Family. says
Dr. Ganz, we will miss you. Our daughters health situations are extreme and quite unusual, but you were able to determine how best to meet their medical needs. When they went off to college out of state, you were the one who was able to meet their specific health care needs, even when the local hospital couldn’t figure them out. When our girls went for a semester abroad to Italy, Dr. Ganz , you gave them your own personal cell phone number to call if they were having issues. Dr. Ganz, we will never be able to pay you back for all the care and genuine concern you had for both our daughters. May God bless you and your family.
Knowel McGraw says
Dr. Ganz was truly ONE of a KIND!!!
I knew Michael from June of 1998 until his passing.
For those 21 years we shared a lot with each other – I NEVER felt more understood.
Dr. Ganz will always be missed.