Dr. Marshall Dickholtz, Jr., 68, born November 18th, 1955, passed away from a heart attack on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2024, at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Marshall is survived by his beloved wife Lisa Dickholtz, son Austin Dickholtz, and daughter Autumn Dickholtz. Lisa’s mother Johanna, Austin’s wife Angel, Lisa’s sister’s Laura and Jodi and their families, and Marshall’s sister Sherry.
How do you begin to describe a man who was so extraordinary, whose reach was beyond borders; whose love, healing, and generosity has been felt by thousands?
Born in Davenport, IA, Marshall was raised in the NUCCA Chiropractic community, following the footsteps of his father. From when he was a small child to his last national conference this past month as a NUCCA and UCRF Board member, instructor, researcher, coach and friend. His undying commitment to NUCCA has led his profession forward, with his innovative leadership of the Gregory Standard Seminar which he created to maintain the highest standards of the NUCCA procedure, for generations to come.
After beginning his legendary career in his fathers practice in Lincolnwood, IL, he struck out on his own in 1984, opening Dickholtz Chiropractic Center in Morton Grove, IL.
The opportunity arose in January of 2000, for Marshall and Lisa to combine their businesses under one roof, and fulfill Marshall’s dream of opening HealthSmart, Alternative Care for Optimal Health, in Northbrook, IL. This venture, as well as his invention and patent of The Atlas Pillow Company, proved to solidify his status as one of the nation’s greatest leaders in his profession.
As a curious teenager, Marshall would sneak out of his bedroom window and hang out in his neighbor’s garage, working on cars. Marshall found his love of cars at a young age, which became his lifelong hobby. At 15, before he even had a driver’s license, he bought the components to build his 1923 Ford T-Bucket, that became his calling card wherever he went. He still owned and drove it, to this day. Street Rodding has been his outlet for creativity, innovation, utilizing his intuitive sense of mechanics and engineering, but mostly being with the like-minded people of a community he loved.
Marshall’s interest in personal development ignited in his 20’s as he participated, trained, and eventually led in world renowned education programs and mastery courses. He admired and studied great minds and developed a commitment to lifelong learning. That commitment and spark led him to motivational speaking, which he believed was most effective through humor.
Starting with improv, then eventually writing his own material, Marshall began his seven-year career as a professional Stand-Up Comedian, with appearances throughout the mid-west including an appearance on Showtime. Building his practice at the same time was just how Marshall lived his life, without fear or constraints, just possibility, laughter and fun.
Marshall and Lisa met in November of 1990, on a blind date. From the moment they first held hands, it was the beginning of a Love Story that transcended true love, happiness, and affinity for 34 years together. They have lived, loved, and laughed, more than most could ever imagine.
Marshall and Lisa were married May 29th, 1993, in Glenview IL where they built their home, businesses and raised their family. Their son Austin was born July 6th, 1994, and their daughter Autumn shortly after on September 21st, 1996. Not having had parents who participated much in his young life, Marshall rose to become not just an extraordinary father, husband and provider, but also a mentor, coach, teacher, and with constant diligence, a stand for possibility in all their lives.
Discovering a future in Scottsdale Arizona, and the Desert Mountain Club community where Marshall and Lisa enjoyed a second home, they together opened Dickholtz Health & Wealth, in Carefree, AZ. Marshall planned to continue to practice and teach to further his profound commitment to his patient’s and colleagues, for many years to come.
A better friend, you could not find. Marshall has countless friends within his many interests of health, travel, sports, cars, community, fun and adventure. He was an avid reader, a genius of higher thinking and a sponge for greater knowledge. Marshall believed in constant training and was always pursuing to improve himself, never settling for ordinary, in any area of life. A conservationist, naturalist, a believer in the earth’s spiritual energy that we are all connected, aligned him as an instant friend when you met him.
Anyone who was blessed to know Marshall knew he was a true champion for love, and bringing out the best in people. A once in a lifetime man that you meet, who draws you in with his kind eyes, contagious smile, his authentic listening, his sincere interest in you and whose optimism leaves you moved and inspired, forever.
In closing, a line from one of Marshall’s favorite songs by Michael Franti:
“It seems like everywhere I go, the more I see, the less I know” – Say Hey (I Love You).
Living in wonder every day was Marshall’s secret to genuine Joy, and he never took for granted the wonders that surround us in this amazing life.
Remember Marshall, by living in Wonder and search for your Possibility, knowing his Spirit is your Guiding Star.
There are just too many accomplishments, awards, community contributions and his life’s impact on humanity to list, but a larger Celebration of Life for Marshall will be held in the Spring of 2025.
A visitation will be held Saturday, December 7th from 12 pm to 5 pm at Kolssak Funeral Home, 189 S Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, IL 60090, 847-537-6600.
A life celebration will be held from 1-2 pm on the same day.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the forwarding of the Gregory Standard Seminar on GoFundMe Page https://gofund.me/f0f2dfd9
