Louis Chosy, M.D., Col (Ret.) “Lou”

Louis William Chosy, age 89, passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2023, surrounded by family. Lou was the fifth of six children, born in 1933 to Hungarian immigrants, Julia and John Chosy, in Columbus, Ohio. As a second-generation American, Lou’s first experience speaking English was attending elementary school. He attended South High School in Columbus, graduated from Ohio State University with a B.A. in 1955, and received his M.D. from the Medical School of OSU in 1959. He met Shirley Moses, at Children’s Hospital in Columbus, where she was a student nurse. They were married in Columbus in November of 1958, and moved to Madison in 1959, where they raised their three children, Lisa, Jim, and John.

Following in his older brother Jack’s footsteps, Lou pursued a career in medicine and the military for over 32 years in Madison. He completed his internship, residency in Internal Medicine and a Pulmonary Fellowship at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics. Lou served as Professor of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine from 1965-2001, and received emeritus status upon his retirement. He was known for the care and concern he showed his patients, and for being a respected colleague and mentor to younger physicians.

Lou was generous in support of individuals and organizations dedicated to improving lung health in Wisconsin. He served the Wisconsin Thoracic Society in numerous capacities, including its presidency. He was a Representative Counselor to the American Thoracic Society. He was the Medical Director of the UW Hospitals and Clinics Respiratory Therapy Department and the Medical Director of the Madison Area Technical College Respiratory Therapy training program. He was a member of the State Medical Society’s Division of Chest Diseases, and he served as the General Chairman of the Tri-State Thoracic Conference.

Lou served in the Wisconsin Army National Guard for 34 years, retiring in 1997 with the rank of Colonel. During his military career he rose to become the Hospital Commander of the 13th Evacuation Hospital, and served as the State Army Surgeon. He was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious service.

He enjoyed many summer vacations with family in Door County. In retirement, he and Shirley spent the winters in Naples, FL. Lou loved gardening and cultivated vegetables and roses. As a gardener, Lou was a keen weather-watcher and observer of backyard birds and wildlife. Most of all, he delighted in his grandchildren, loved spending time with them and sharing in their activities and interests.

Lou is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley (Moses) Chosy of Madison, WI; daughter Lisa Munoz, husband Hector of Greenville, SC; son James (Jim), wife Julie of Minneapolis, MN; son John, wife Tamara Bryant of Madison, WI; brother Robert, wife Judy, of Worthington, OH; sister-in-law Darlene Moses of Powder Springs, GA; seven grandchildren (Wren and Jackie Zeller; Emma and Annabel Chosy; and Madeline, Cullen, and Nina Chosy); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings Eugene, Emma, Irene, and Jack.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 23, 2023 at 2 pm at First Unitarian Society of Madison, 900 University Bay Drive, Madison Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to UW Medical School, UW Foundation, U.S. Bank Lockbox, Box 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278-0807, https://www.wiscmedicine.org/; or UW Arboretum, UW–Madison Arboretum, Attn: Erica Lee, 1207 Seminole Hwy, Madison, WI 53711, https://arboretum.wisc.edu/get-involved/donate/