(Le Mars) — Long-time Le Mars surgeon Dr. Mark Stelzer has put down his scalpel as he enters retirement this week. Stelzer worked out of the Floyd Valley Healthcare for 36 years, and later today (Friday) the hospital is holding a retirement open house at the Conference Rooms between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
The public is invited to attend the open house reception. Earlier this morning, Dr. Stelzer sat down with KLEM news to talk about his medical career, and his love of the people he worked with, and those he served.
Stelzer began by telling how he chose Le Mars to establish his medical profession.
Stelzer says he performed surgical procedures not only at Floyd Valley, but also at Orange City and Sioux Center. Stelzer says he will long remember the people he treated and help heal.
Stelzer doesn’t recall the exact number of surgical procedures he has conducted over the past 36 years, but adds, it was not uncommon to perform 15 to 20 different surgeries each week. During his tenure with Floyd Valley Healthcare, Dr. Stelzer has witnessed the growth and expansion of the hospital. He says Floyd Valley may be located in a small to mid-size town,
but it offers all the medical services that you would find in a large city hospital.
The long time surgeon talks about another change the local hospital adopted which benefited many area patients.
Stelzer has been active within the Le Mars community, serving as a school board director, as well as also a library director. He says he and his wife Kathy have come to love Le Mars.
After retirement, what’s the future for Dr. Mark Stelzer?
The medical surgeon says he and his wife Kathy, will divide their time visiting children and grandchildren, and during the summer taking some time to reside at their home at Okoboji. While leaving KLEM radio, Dr. Stelzer was given congratulations from Sue Brandenburg and Denny Callahan. Both shared comments that will be common from other former patients. Sue
Brandenburg reflected on her three children’s birth, and Denny Callahan thanked Dr. Stelzer for his service and for saving his life.
photos contributed by Floyd Valley Healthcare.
