Dr. Mark Noël Martz died Feb. 27, 2013, in Lehigh Valley Hospice, 17th and Chew streets, Allentown.

He and his wife Ulla (Grimell) Martz were married in 1968 in Ulla's home church, Sjalevad's Lutheran Church, Sweden.

Formerly of Orefield, he was born Dec. 24,1944 in Hanover, York County, as the fourth and youngest child of the late Richard Keeney Martz and Mary (Waybright) Martz.

He excelled academically and was valedictorian of his class of 1962 at Eichelberger High School, Hanover.

He attained the rank of Eagle Scout at Trinity UCC, Hanover.

He graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Bachelor of Science degree in biophysics, was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, then attended medical school at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine graduating in 1970 with a Doctor of Medicine degree.

His surgical internship and general surgery residency were completed at Barnes Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Mo., as was his cardiothoracic residency.

He served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War 1972-74 as a medical officer onboard the nuclear powered destroyer USS Truxton.

He was honorably discharged with the rank of lieutenant commander.

Following his specialty training, worked briefly as an assistant professor of cardiothoracic surgery at Tufts School of Medicine, Boston, Mass. before joining the Rex cardiothoracic surgical group at Lehigh Valley Hospital.

He was a brilliant and dedicated surgeon who cared deeply about his patients and their personal stories and lives.

He unfortunately had to retire due to early onset of Parkinson's disease.

He was humble, accepting and realistic regarding the devastating impact of his diagnosis.

He spent the last five years of his life at Fellowship Manor, Whitehall, where he received compassionate and loving care.

He took much pride in his four children and four grandchildren.

In earlier years, he was an avid reader, enjoyed gardening and woodworking.

He was a prior member of the bell choir at Heidelberg United Church of Christ, Heidelberg Township.

He was a member of Jordan Lutheran Church, Orefield, and actively supported its Boy Scout program.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son Erik and his wife, Andrea, with sons Robert (R.J.) and Ryan of Bloomington, Minn.; daughter Ingrid L. Martz and husband Matthew Shelton with daughter Grace-Anne of Orefield; daughter Sarah Fox with husband, Allen, and son Charles, of Dallas, Texas; and daughter Anna-Mari Martz at home; sisters Leone Musselman and husband James; and Elaine Bower and husband Ronald; nephews, nieces and cousins in the U.S., and brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces in Sweden.

He was predeceased by his older brother Richard H.

His services will be 12:30 p.m. March 9, 2013, at Jordan Lutheran Church with the Rev. Jimmie Lee Werley officiating.

A calling period to greet the family at the church will be take place 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Interment with military honors at the church cemetery will follow the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to World Hunger Fund c/o Jordan Lutheran Church, Orefield PA 18069; Boy Scouts of America; Prager Patient Assistance Fund at Morgan Cancer Center of Lehigh Valley Hospital; and Gift of Life Donor Program.

Arrangements were made by Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, Allentown.