Frederick A. Frueholz, Jr. MD December 12, 1927 – December 23, 2018 Share this obituary Local Florists Upload Photo| View/Sign Guest Book| Send Private Condolences Frederick Frueholz, Jr., MD passed away quietly on December 23, 2018 after a short illness at the age of 91. He was born in New Braunfels on December 12, 1927 to Frederick Frueholz, Sr., MD and Bertha Eberle Frueholz, MD, two physicians who had emigrated from Germany to New Braunfels in 1925. He often joked that he had two doctors in attendance at his birth.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his older sister, Margaret. Dr. Fred, as he was affectionately known by many long time New Braunfels residents, grew up in his family’s iconic home located on Seguin Avenue where he resided until his death. Living only a couple of blocks from the Comal River, as a youth he split his river time with piano and voice lessons.
In high school, he organized the Unicorn Stables, a popular downtown weekend activity center for high school students. He was a Boy Scout, earning the rank of Eagle Scout with a Bronze Palm. He graduated from New Braunfels High School in 1945 and then the University of Texas in Austin.
Although he had a strong interest in architecture, music and history, he followed in his parents’ footsteps and earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical School in Galveston. While in Galveston, Dr. Fred’s architectural ability came in handy when he designed his fraternity’s new house. Dr. Fred began his internship at Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio and taught at Fort Sam Houston as a member of the National Guard.
He served a two year military commitment stationed in France at the Army’s 28th General Hospital and returned home as a Captain. He joined his parents’ medical practice, which required additional office space. So, once again, Dr. Fred used his architectural interest to design a new medical clinic behind his parents’ house known as the Frueholz Building.
It served the citizens of New Braunfels for many years and still serves as a meeting place for several New Braunfels historical groups. During his 30-year tenure practicing medicine, he served in numerous positions with McKenna Hospital, including Chief of Staff, Chair of the Board of Directors, Chair of the Review Board, and Chair of the Building Committee, all while practicing medicine and delivering over 3,000 babies in New Braunfels, a fact of which he was quite proud. While his long and dedicated medical contributions to the community are known by many, throughout his career Dr. Fred was active in many other aspects of community life.
He was a lifelong member of the First Protestant Church, participating actively in the choir, handbell choir, and serving on Church Council and numerous committees. He also organized and participated in several musical groups, including the Texas Bach Choir, the Mid-Texas Symphony, organizing the Symphony Chorus, and the Heritage Chorale, now known as the Community Chorale. His love of New Braunfels and its history led him to establish the Comal County Historical Commission.
In 2014 the annual Frederick Frueholz, Jr. Historic Preservation Award was established by the Commission in his honor. His retirement in 1986 gave him additional time to serve as a member and leader of numerous volunteer groups, including the Sophienburg Museum, NB Heritage Society, and the NB Conservation Society. In addition, Dr. Fred was a Paul Harris Fellow Rotarian.
Furthermore, he continued to feed his thirst for knowledge by being an avid reader and attending Oxford University in England for six summers to study architecture and history. In 2014, Dr. Fred was named a Living Legend by the Braunfels Foundation Trust for his extensive and meaningful contributions to the community. In 2017 he was named a Distinguished Unicorn Graduate of New Braunfels High School.
His warm caring personality, friendly smile, and fun sense of humor will be missed by many, especially the Tays family nieces and nephews and close, old friends. A musical memorial celebration of Dr. Fred’s life will be held at First Protestant Church, Saturday, January 12th at 10 a.m., under the direction of Rev. Daryl Higgins and Dr. Joey Martin.
Memorials may be given to the Frueholz Music Fund at First Protestant Church.
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