Marvyn Alan Pelzner

Longtime Los Gatos resident Marvyn Alan Pelzner died from leukemia on Jan. 27.

Born in San Francisco in 1935, Pelzner graduated from UC-Berkeley in 1959, where he received his degree in optometry. After briefly working with an associate, he established his own practice and was one of the original merchants at the Valley Fair Shopping Center. He later practiced out of another office in San Jose. After 35 years, Pelzner retired from optometry to spend time with family.

Pelzner had many interests throughout his life. He was a member of the Miracle Mile Optimist Club and an avid sports fan. His hobbies included tennis, cycling, photography, computers and coaching his grandson's Little League team.

Pelzner is survived by his mother, Hilda Pelzner, his brothers, Howard and Roger Pelzner, his son, Mark Pelzner, a sister-in-law, a daughter-in-law, a grandson, three nephews, two nieces and two grandnieces.

A memorial service was held on Feb. 22 at Congregation Shir Hadash. In lieu of flowers, donations were made to charities.

Carolyn Craycroft Thomas

Carolyn Craycroft Thomas, 61, died Jan. 31 in her Los Gatos home.

A graduate of Los Gatos High School and the University of the Pacific, Thomas was involved in numerous organizations including the Montalvo Service League, the Eastfield Ming Quong Board of Directors, the San Jose Junior League and the Los Gatos High School Alumni Association. Thomas was also the president of the Village House and Garden and volunteered at Daves Avenue School.

She is survived by her husband, John, her daughter, Julie Ludeman, and her son-in-law, Rob Ludeman. Donations can be made to Wells Fargo, payable to account number 6043637526. Money received will be distributed to various charities.

Marshall G. Renbarger

Marshall G. Renbarger, 88, died on Jan. 29 at a hospital in Nevada City, Calif.

He was one of seven children born to Ethel and Ellis Renbarger in Michigan. A chiropractor, Marshall practiced with his son, David, out of their Los Gatos office for 15 years. Prior to that, he worked in management for an aerospace firm in Los Angeles. After Marshall retired from his practice, he moved to Grass Valley, Calif., with his wife of 25 years, Erika.

A celebration of Marshall's life was held on Feb. 7 at Hooper and Weaver Mortuary in Nevada City. He is survived by his children, David Renbarger and Susan Green, a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, three stepchildren and five step-grandchildren.