Dr. Dennis Grant Egnatz

Dennis was born on June 9, 1940 in Hammond, IN to the late Charles and Josephine Egnatz. He graduated from Hammond High School as valedictorian, excelling academically, in sports, theater, music, and served as an officer of the student body. Following high school graduation, Dennis attended Harvard University where he graduated cum laude with a degree in Anthropology. He then attended Yale University Medical School and earned his MD degree. An internship at Cincinnati General Hospital followed where he fell in love with the Head Pediatric Nurse, Barbara Kerr 57 years ago. Dennis was boarded in Family Medicine, and he opened his first medical practice in Midland, MI. Following a successful private practice, Dennis joined the Dow Chemical Co. in MI. This, a start of a distinguished career in Corporate Medicine and a second Board credential in the field of Medicine, Occupational Health and Preventative Medicine.

He moved ahead in the medical field and has been a Corporate Medical Director in several Fortune 500 companies including Johnson & Johnson, IC Industries, Bayer (Miles), and Sara Lee/Hanes which brought him to Winston-Salem, NC. He enjoyed all his successful corporate positions, but hands on medicine was his true love. He only stopped practicing at age 79 due to health issues.

Dennis was engaged in life. He loved people and was friends with many, was interested in who they were as individuals. Service extended beyond his employment to numerous boards and committees wherever he lived such as President of Central States ACOEM, joining unique clubs like the Adventurers Club of Chicago, and volunteering at the start of the Community Care Clinic of Winston Salem.

In any spare time, Dennis has always enjoyed being part of music groups, singing with the Harvard Glee Club, Chicago Prayer, church choirs, and the Winston Salem Pops Chorus. Taking trips with family to new and exciting places to explore and learn was important to Dennis as was sharing some of his hobbies such as photography, hunting, and fishing. He possessed an enduring curiosity and lifelong love of learning.

Dennis is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Barbara Egnatz; children, Kate (John) Hall, Matthew (Cheryl) Egnatz, Philip (Sara) Egnatz, and David Egnatz; grandchildren, Conrad Hall, Grant Egnatz, Nick Egnatz, Abby Egnatz, and Jack Egnatz; and sister, Mary Jo Rico Zorillo. Three siblings predeceased him, brothers, Dyke and Gary, and sister, Andrea.

A memorial service will be held on a date to be determined. Memorial contributions can be made in honor of Dennis Egnatz to Yale Medical School, Scholarship Programs.