Tom was a wonderful teacher and friend to me and many many others in the Echo Lab and CV at Mayo for many years. He was always an optimist with his passion for music, people, patients, and cardiology. He motivated all of us in academia with his paper "Echocardiographic diagnosis of left atrial myxoma" published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings which was the first Echo paper from the Mayo Echo Lab in 1968. I will always remember his perpetual smile and kindness. My deepest condolences to Tom's family.

Dear Mary and girls,

   We really got to know Tom late in life as he enjoyed his retirement in Scottsdale. (Previously, Loran and Mary did their Psychiatry residencies together and Loran would do an occasional consult for Tom in Rochester, so the relationships were cordial but not as personal as they eventually became.)  Our Scottsdale friendship still centered around Mayo's as Loran and Tom got dressed in their suits and ties for Grand Rounds every Friday morning all winter long. Tom's life-long curiosity and interest in all things medical, made him a fascinating friend. He was a wonderful cook and we enjoyed dinners and lively conversations every single time we met. 

   One of the joys the Schattenberg's  shared was watching their grandchildren grow and develop. Both Mary and Tom  absolutely delighted in each story the kids read or each classroom success. This pride was only exceeded by the joy in their three beautiful, talented, accomplished daughters.  I remember Mary and Tom sitting in the Arizona sunshine, peacefully playing cards, eating nuts and trying to win by outwitting the other.

  We have missed both Tom and Mary in Arizona but remember the good times we had together.  Our relationship with Mary and their daughters will continue to be a source of joy.  

  With sadness and gratitude.....Judy and Loran Pilling 

Dear Mary and family,

We were saddened this morning to receive Judy Pilling's email message regarding Tom's death.  We knew that he had not been well, but had not expected to read this announcement. 

Words can so seldom convey the sadness that one feels when a special neighbor dies.  Tom has been a long-time and special neighbor in our beautiful Sunrise Villas.  Over these many years we did not have a chance to get to know Tom socially, but have always thought of him as a most interesting and interested person, one who helped make Sunrise Villas the friendly community that it is.   We and all his neighbors will miss him.

I hope that the memories that you were able to gather over these many years will help ease the difficult days ahead and bring you the joy of knowing you were in the presence of an incredible person, one whose life touched many.  May the coming days give you peace and grace,

With our sincerest condolences,

Shawn and Sieglinde Rooney

My sympathy to the family of Dr. Schattenberg.  I had the opportunity to work with and learn from TTS in the echo lab.  Not only was he a kind man, but also hilarious.  I would like to share a piece of advice that he gave me that I have often thought of (and smiled) over the past 23 years.  He watched me go through three pregnancies and gave me this advice during the third one:  He said, "KO, you're gonna find that you sterilize the first kid, you wash the second kid, and you spit on the third kid!"  I have to admit that he knew what he was talking about!  Blessed be his memory.

Tom was a dear friend and colleague. We shared many interests, particularly music [jazz and classical], and we performed in many musical groups together, most notably the Notochords. He was a highly respected cardiologist and a superb clinician. I will miss him greatly.

For so many years Ruth has shared the stories of her Dad, the music, the travels, the jokes, the puns.  I know how difficult the past months have been and as a pal, I say Job Well Done! 

I am making a contribution to Drs Without Borders in honor of Dr. Tom Schattenberg.

With sympathy,

Gini Wolf

We are sorry to hear of Tom's passing.  He will be remembered fondly for his good humor and companionship on our many fishing trips to Northern Minnesota and Canada. Our interest in gardening led to many bouts with deer and the elements.  And who can forget Tom's sailboat and motorhome (the I-90 special)!  Many good memories with Tom.

I was so saddened to hear of the passing of TTS.  I would visit with him frequently and loved his humor and smiling face.... I will really miss him.

I had the privilege to work with Tom as a young consultant. He took me under his wings in the echo lab, and showed me the ropes, way beyond the medical circumstances. He was truly a renaissance man, who easily could cover classical music, was well versed in car matters, and introduced me to the Vikings (though I am not sure this was the best thing). I fondly remember him introducing me into the investment group, which I enjoyed for many years. Tom truly was a friend and mentor, I will always remember him fondly for his advice, but most of all for his friendship.

Please accept my heartfelt condolence for the loss of a really great person.

Thomas Behrenbeck

TTS was a wonderful man, a gifted physician, and a valued colleague.  And also just plain fun.  He will be missed.

Thomas.  My friend.  The times we enjoyed together seeking great jazz and all forms of good music will be forever in my heart with you.  Your medical talent gave me the opportunity to see all nine of my grandchildren and one great grandchild.  The outlandish fun we had with our music!  Your counsel and advice will remain with me forever.  God Bless!  Himself

Both of us are saddened by the passing of a dear friend.  At present we are in Italy and will not return until May 10th.  Please let us know when the memorial service will be held.

Colleen & Gerry

TTS was a great guy to know in the Echo Lab.  He was always there for a holiday party, a summer picnic at his lake home, a softball game, or whatever it might be, he participated.  We feel honored he was able to partake in the 50th Anniversary of Echo a few years ago.  He always had a smile on his face and can still hear his chuckle.  Condolences to the family.

I remember with fondness the times that I had the opportunity to work with Tom. I enjoyed his companionship, his jokes, and his music.  My sincere condolences to his family.

Don Hagler

I was priveleged to train in the echo lab and then join the staff with echo lab priveleges at a time that Dr. Schattenberg was an active faculty member.  He was always full of life and proudly reminded us that there was much more to life than just working at the Mayo Clinic.  I will always have very fond memories of interactions with "TTS", a man known by his initials and his pager code in the margin "505".  When we learned of his passing, we spontaneously started talking about our favorite TTS memories - I think he would have been happy to know that.

Dear Family of Dr. Schattenberg,

I am sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with Tom in the Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and the Mayo Clinic Echo Lab. He had an optimistic personality and a wonderful sense of humor. He was a kind and compassionate physician and an excellent educator of housestaff and sonographers. Many of us in the Echo Lab remember him fondly. You are in our prayers.

Sincerely,

Patty Pellikka

My condeolences to you all,

Dr. Schattenberg, known to us who worked with him in the echo lab as TTS, was a great and wonderful man.  He shared much with us espically his knowledge of the heart. He also sharedd much joy and laughter with us all.  He will be missed.

My condolences to all of you. 

TTS, as he was known to us in the Echo Lab, was a wonderful person.  He taught us about medicine (especially the heart), he brought us treats, he hummed songs to us, told us jokes, shared his smile and most of all his laughter with us. 

He was a great guy and who will be greatly missed.

Dear Ann and Family,

I am sorry to hear of the loss of your father.  We are thinking of you all during this time.  Please let us know if there is anything we can do.

Blessings,

Jennifer, Chester, and Francie Baldwin

I consider it a great honor to have known Tom Schattenberg all of my life, he being my first cousin, and a kinder more generous natured man I have never known.  He will be greatly missed.  My love and deepest sympathy to all his children and grandchildren.

Mary, Mary and Ruth,

My sincere sympathy to each of you.  Thirty-two years ago I entered the world of financial advisor.  Tom was one of my first clients and remained faithful for all of these years. Our phone calls had to number in the thousands. Especially in my  early years, Tom taught me more than I could ever offer him, he was the best. 

I will miss him.

Sincerely,

John Quello