Mark M. Altenau, M.D.

Mark M. Altenau, M.D., age 83, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. A devoted physician, husband, father, grandfather, and veteran, Dr. Altenau lived a life marked by service, compassion, and unwavering faith.

Born on May 28, 1941, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mark was the son of Aloysius Louis Altenau and Ruth Elberfeld Altenau. He graduated from St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati in 1959 and continued his education at the University of Cincinnati from 1959 to 1962. He was proudly a member of the men's college basketball team at University of Cincinnati, who won back-to-back National Championships in 1961 and 1962. Driven by a calling to medicine, he earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati Medical School in 1966.

Following medical school, Dr. Altenau served his country with honor as a Captain in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. From 1968 to 1969, he was stationed at the 24th Evacuation Hospital as an Ear Nose Throat specialist and later served as a general medical officer at Fort Sheridan, Illinois from 1969 to 1970.

After his military service, Dr. Altenau pursued advanced training with a fellowship in Otology and Neuro-otology at the prestigious Otologic Medical Group in Los Angeles from 1973 to 1974. He remained with the group in private practice until 1976 before transitioning into academic medicine.

From 1976 to 1979, he served as associate professor and chairman of the Division of Otolaryngology within the Department of Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Southwestern Medical School. In this role, he helped shape future generations of physicians while advancing care for patients across Texas.

In 1979, Dr. Altenau entered private practice at Medical City Hospital in Dallas where he cared for patients with dedication and expertise for nearly four decades. In 2018, he continued his work at Old Parkland until his passing in 2025—an extraordinary career spanning over five decades.

Dr. Altenau’s professional accomplishments were matched only by his devotion to family and faith. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, JoAnn Patrick Altenau; their daughter Brooke Altenau Gies and her husband Jason Michael Gies; their son Matthew Michael Altenau and his wife Christina Wilson Altenau; and his cherished grandchildren Caroline Claire Gies, Catherine Elizabeth Gies, Anna Elizabeth Altenau, Blake Michael Altenau, and Jack Matthew Altenau—who affectionately called him “Tex.” He also leaves behind his brothers Alan Altenau and Dr. Lance Altenau.

He was preceded in death by his beloved sister Julianne Fealey; brother-in-law Tim Fealey; father Aloysius Louis Altenau; and mother Ruth Elberfeld Altenau.

Mark was known for being compassionate and caring both inside and outside the exam room. His intelligence was matched by an energetic spirit that inspired those around him. A devout Catholic throughout his life, Mark’s spiritual faith guided every decision he made—from how he practiced medicine to how he raised his family.

Above all else, Mark found joy in being a grandfather. His pride in Caroline, Catherine, Anna, Blake, and Jack was boundless—and their love for “Tex” will remain a lasting legacy.

A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church located at 3826 Gilbert Ave in Dallas at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your charity of choice.

Dr. Mark Altenau’s life was one of purpose and grace—a testament to service through medicine, love through family, strength through faith. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him and continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.