Dr. Louis Zucal

Louis H. Zucal M.D., 93, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on July 3, 2016. He is preceded in death by his parents Joe Oreste and Luisa Zucal, his wife of 57 years Bernice H. Zucal, daughter Marsha Zucal Gonzales, granddaughter Regina Gonzales, and son-in-law Richard K. Olney. His three sisters, Virginia, Erma, and Josephine also preceded Louis in death. Dr. Zucal is survived by his two children Paula Olney and Joe Zucal (Amy Eilers). Survived also by his four grandchildren Nick Olney (Caroline), Amy Dobbs (Ryan), John Paul Gonzales, Paula Gonzales (Tony C de Baca), along with his three great-grand children, Ricky and Renee Olney, and Claire Dobbs. He leaves behind his beloved brother James Zucal (Olga), son-in-law J.J. Gonzales (Dolores Martinez), and numerous nieces and nephews. Born and raised in Cerrillos, New Mexico, Louis attended St. Michael’s High School, New Mexico State University and Baylor College of Medicine. Serving twice in the military, first with the US Army, and following medical school, returned to serve as Captain in the US Air Force Medical Corps in Okinawa, Japan. Louis practiced General Medicine in and around Santa Fe for 43 years. He had a private practice, assisted with surgery at St. Vincent Hospital, delivered many babies and made countless house calls. He was the team doctor for St. Michael’s High School athletic teams and was an attending physician for the State Penitentiary. Louis was passionate about many interests that included Native American art, travel, photography, crossword puzzles, cooking and mushroom hunting. He became an expert in all of his interests and was always developing new ones. Louis was fluent in English, Spanish and Italian. His love for his Northern New Mexico roots kept him involved in the community he served. A celebration of life will be held at Rivera Funeral Home on Sunday, August 14, 2016 at 11:00 am. A private burial will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Marsha Gonzales and Bernice Zucal Scholarship fund at St. Michael’s High School Foundation, P.O. Box 22563, Santa Fe, NM 87502.