Born in Helena, May 21, 1937. Died peacefully at home in Troy, Mich. on April 13, 2009.

Beloved son of Lawrence J. Hatzenbeler, Sr. and Elizabeth Christman Hatzenbeler.

Coming to Detroit for graduate school, he obtained a masters of science degree in genetics at the University of Detroit. For several years he taught biology at Boysville High School in Macon, Mich. and at the University of Detroit. He graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine in 1970, followed by an internship at Providence Hospital in Southfield, Mich., and a residency in psychiatry at Detroit Psychiatric Institute.

Dr. Hatzenbeler practiced adult psychiatry in Birmingham for 32 years with a great personal devotion to his patients. He loved teaching medical students and mentoring psychiatric residents both at Providence Hospital and at Wayne State Medical School. He was highly respected by his fellow psychiatrists.

An avid reader, he loved the theater, classical music, especially opera, and spending many formal evenings dancing with his wife of 41 years, Virginia. He also loved to travel. Visits to family and lifelong friends in Montana were treasured trips, winter or summer, every year, especially at Big Sky.

He was a devoted husband and loving father. A devout Catholic, he was a quiet leader, constant friend and a true gentleman.

Survived by his wife, Virginia; sons, Paul (Tamra) and Christian (Adrienne); grandchildren, Robert and Kylah; his sister, Betty Pipinich (Albert) of Billings, and their sons, Ronald and Thomas; and brother, Jacob Hatzenbeler (Carol) of Helena, and their children, Donald, Arah, Susan, Tracey, Jim and Jack; his sister-in-law, Julita Shallal (John M.D.) of Savannah, Ga., and their children, John Thomas, Andrew and Audra. Also survived by many aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews throughout Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Arizona, Wyoming and Washington state.

Services were held in Michigan. View the obituary and share memories at www.DesmondFuneralHome.com.