Fred H. Koenecke

Dr. Fred H. ""Fritz"" Koenecke, passed away peacefully Saturday, November 14, 2009.  Fritz was born in Ceylon, MN to Fred H. Sr. and Wilhemina (Olsen) Koenecke, but spent most of his adult life living in Madison and, after retirement, rural Richland County.  After graduation from the University of Minnesota Medical School and serving his country overseas in post-war Europe as a General Practitioner, Fritz attended UW Medical School, specializing in Psychiatry.  

Fritz's professional and personal accomplishments are too numerous to list, but among those of which he was most proud were his involvement in Rotary International (Club President and Paul Harris Fellow recipient), retiring as a Commander of the United States Naval Reserve, being named Tree Farmer of the Year in Richland County,  serving on the State Board of the Wisconsin Woodland Association, and being the founding Medical Director of Newstart Program in Madison where his insight into the importance of healing the entire family has helped revolutionize treatment of addiction.  

Fritz is survived by his adoring wife, Laurie, his two sons of whom he was so proud, Eric and Jay, a loving step-daughter Elizabeth (James Stahr) Kerwin, grandchildren Tyler, Allison, Lilly and Maggie, brother Don and sister Elinor.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Howard, daughter Elise Koenecke McDaniels, and daughter-in-law Peggi Curran Koenecke.  

Fritz relished his life and fought hard to stay with us as long as he could. With the loving care of his Hospice team  and all the many family and friends who were able to shower him with love and appreciation over this past year, Fritz lived his final months with dignity and self-determination.  A private service, with full military honors, was held Tuesday, November 17, with internment at Forest Hill Cemetery in Madison next to his daughter Elise.  Please join us for a celebration of  Fritz's life, at 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at the Landmark Auditorium of the First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Drive in Madison.  Memorials may be made to Hospice Care Incorporated, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711.