Louis Frase

Dr. Louis H. Frase of Eau Claire and Appleton, WI, left this world on December 14, 2024, while in hospice care at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton. He was surrounded with love from his entire family’s presence, who knew his brilliance and compassion for others. 

Lou was born in 1939 to Louis E. and Anne B. Frase. He grew up in Chicago, where he met and married his wife, Janet, in 1962. Dr. Frase graduated from the University of Illinois Medical School in 1964, followed by an Internal Medicine residency at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio. He was proud of his fellowship year in cardiology with Dr. Noble Fowler at the University of Cincinnati. In 1968 Lou entered the Army, serving one year at the Pentagon Dispensary in Washington, D.C., followed by two years as Commanding Officer of the 543rd General Dispensary in Taegu, South Korea. Dr. Frase joined the Midelfort Clinic in Eau Claire, WI, in 1971, and retired in 1999 from the now Mayo Clinic. After his retirement, Dr. Frase practiced during winter months at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ. He was passionate about helping his patients learn and live a healthy lifestyle. He developed “Faithfully Fit” and “Joy of Health” seminars, teaching health promotion and disease prevention to employees at both Eau Claire and Scottsdale Mayo Clinics through PESI community education programs, and on the MV Discovery cruise ship as part of the Mayo-at-Sea program. Dr. Lou was president of the Tri-County Medical Society from 1973-75, Medical Director for the UWEC Community Fitness program at the McPhee Center, on the Advisory Council for Sacred Heart Hospital 1982-90, and UWEC Clinical Assistant Professor 1973-1998 with the Family Practice internship program.He was a member of the Indianhead Track Club, writing articles for their newsletter as well as many about disease prevention for the Eau Claire Leader Telegram. Lou dearly loved co-hosting the “Happy Trails” community TV program with Sheriff Bob Dawson. Lou co-chaired the Eau Claire community group working to pass the referendum to build South Junior High School. Dad Lou was actively involved with his kids’ activities, coaching Little League and soccer at Robbins School, and cheering at music, swim and track events. Lou made time to fish lakes, rivers, and creeks, and had a home on Lower Long Lake from 1978 to 2009, where the family made many precious memories. Lou and Jan worked with the Lake Association to preserve water quality and maintain a healthy ecosystem for the birds and animals. After retirement, Lou and Jan revived their love and respect for different cultures, traveling to every continent and 50 countries. They enjoyed long trips in their motorhome exploring the beauty of the U.S. and Canada.

Dr. Frase is survived by his daughters: Christy (Paul) Lepisto and Juliane (Rob) Counard; son: Daniel (Terry) Frase; grandchildren: Nancy (Dan) Houston, Art (Samantha) Ebbinger, Emily (Jake) Lepisto, Andy Ebbinger, James (Alyssa) Ebbinger, and Mandy, Mariah, Benjamin, and Charlotte Frase; and eight great-grandchildren. Dr. Frase was preceded in death by son: Andrew Louis, in 1968; sister Louann Frase; and granddaughter: Madeline Frase. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time. Memorial contributions can be made to Mayo Clinic, Beaver Creek Reserve, or the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic. The family wishes to thank the St. Elizabeth Hospital care teams in the ER, Intensive Care, and Hospice for keeping our loved one comfortable.