Wartburg’s Second Annual Jazz in June Gala Honoring The Rev. Dr. Dale G. Gatz and Ms. Yvonne K. Gatz

Wartburg’s Second Annual Jazz in June Gala: A Celebration of Art and Music will be held on Tuesday, June 10 at the Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle, NY. This year’s honorees are The Rev. Dr. Dale G. Gatz and Ms. Yvonne K. Gatz, Wartburg’s former President and First Lady.

Wartburg’s mission to provide ministries of healing and hope for individuals and families entrusted to our care has been constant since our founding in 1866 as the Wartburg Orphans Farm School. Visionaries with strong determination strengthened by their deep faith are responsible for Wartburg’s growth and sustainability for nearly 150 years. During their 14-year tenure at Wartburg, Dr. and Ms. Gatz provided both vision and spirit to Wartburg’s mission.

Dr. Gatz served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Wartburg from 1991-2004. This period of Wartburg history saw the rapid expansion of facilities on Wartburg’s historic campus, as well as the introduction of healthcare services to neighboring communities in Westchester County and the Bronx. Under Dr. Gatz’s leadership and thanks to the benevolence of donors, Wartburg completed the Henry G. & Jeannette A. Waltemade Health Care Center, a three-story state-of-the-art skilled nursing facility and rehabilitation center, the construction of Meadowview Assisted Living, and the renovation of Moller Memorial, the first building erected at Wartburg in 1869.

Prior to joining Wartburg, Dr. Gatz was the founding Executive Director of Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida (1979-1990), and Pastor of St. Paul Church in Jacksonville, Florida (1968-1979).

Raised near Chicago, IL, Dr. Gatz received a B.A. from Valparaiso University, Indiana, in 1964; a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 1968; and a Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Seminary, Chicago, in 1983.

Ms. Yvonne K. Gatz served the Wartburg community beside her husband with a distinct display of inspiration and compassion for all, both on the Wartburg campus and in the local community. She especially enjoyed volunteering as a group facilitator for a story-telling group at the then existing adult home, Marie Louise Heins, and in Waltemade with family support groups. She was also a member of the Wartburg Ladies Auxiliary.

Ms. Gatz’s professional background includes positions as a social work educator and psychotherapist. She was an Associate Professor of Social Work at Concordia College, Bronxville (1990-2001) and in the same capacity at the University of North Florida, Jacksonville, (1985-1990). In addition, she worked in private practice and with several social service mental health agencies in Jacksonville (1976-1985).

Raised in Belfield, North Dakota, Ms. Gatz received a B.A. from Valparaiso University, Indiana, in 1964; and a Master of Social Work from Florida State University, Tallahassee, in 1976.

Dr. and Ms. Gatz met at Valparaiso University. They have been married 48 years and are the proud parents of Timothy and Rachel. Tim and his wife Jennifer have two sons, Justin and Noah, and reside in Kalamazoo, MI. Rachel lives with her husband Peter and their two daughters, Anna and Emily, in Lafayette, CA. They split their time between Jacksonville Beach, FL and Portage MI. Together they enjoy golf, swimming, traveling, walking the beach, and savoring the friendship of many.

Jazz in June will once again feature a musical presentation. This year’s musician is award-winning singer/songwriter Kate Davis.

These are exciting times at Wartburg. We are in the midst of an era of tremendous change and growth, meeting the needs of seniors and their families in our community.

We invite you to be a part of Wartburg’s 2014 Jazz in June Gala and join us for a celebration of arts & music. Please visit wartburg.org for details or contact Karen Thomas at kthomas@wartburg.org or 914-513-5308.