Gerald Trostler

Gerald “Jerry” Stephen Trostler MD FACP, passed away on August 23rd, 2023 in Palm
Desert at the age of 85. He was a passionate doctor, teacher, photographer, and family
man, known for his supportiveness, gentle nature, and unwavering love for his family. He
was born on January 1, 1938 in Brooklyn, NY to Edward and Elizabeth (Stoll) Trostler.
When he was a small child, his family moved to Los Angeles where he graduated from
Fairfax High School and later, UCLA earning his BS and MD. One day, while in the
medical library, he spotted a young woman and asked if he might borrow a pencil. The
young woman was Dorian Jarvis. This strategy proved successful as they were married
on July 1, 1962. After medical school he joined the Air Force as a physician and then
settled with his wife in Long Beach to raise his family and work with Memorial Medical
Group as a treating physician. He simultaneously taught at UC Irvine as an Assistant
Clinical Professor of Medicine instructing residents on the basics of cardiology. UC
Irvine presented him with an Excellent Teacher Recognition Award. He was also a Fellow
of the American College of Physicians, was recognized as one of Los Angeles County’s
Best Internists and was highlighted in Los Angeles Magazine. He was featured on CBS’
60 Minutes to discuss the difficulties in diagnosing heart attacks. In 2000, he temporarily
retired to the desert but nothing could keep him away from his passion of treating his
patients. He returned to the practice of medicine in Palm Desert from 2005 until 2022.
His calm manner, professionalism, and dedication were his hallmarks which he
maintained until the end of his life, greeting the nurses and hospital staff with grace no
matter the hour. He had a gift for photography, was an avid bridge player and enjoyed
Bruin football, Angels baseball and going out to dinner. He was a fan of good design and
loved new cars with the latest features and new iPhones. Above all, he enjoyed spending
time with family, both while on a vacation and at a nice dinner. He excelled at achieving
both simultaneously by arranging numerous vacations for the whole family to be
together. He challenged everyone to be happy and he encouraged others to follow a path
that led to happiness, whatever that might be.
Jerry is survived by his wife Dorian and three sons, Matthew Trostler, Mark (Michelle)
Trostler and Seth (Cynthia) Trostler and his four grandchildren, Walter, Evan, Collin and
Meredith. He is also survived by a brother, Robert (Donna) Trostler, and a sister, Flora
Trostler, a sister in law, Judy Davenport and a brother in law, Dr Dick Metzner, a niece
and nephews. A graveside service was held at Hillside Memorial Park in Los Angeles on
Monday, August 28, 2023. He will be missed by all who were fortunate to have known
him but overall by his wife whose love for him is eternal.