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Frank A. Springer

Frank A. Springer

Dr. Frank Springer passed away on December 22, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin after a short illness. He was 94.

Frank is survived by his wife, Dawn (Holden); his children, Susan Keith (Stanley), Mary Springer, Jenny

Springer- Weber (Curt) and Frank (Chip) Springer III (Cyndee Gannon); his step-children, Bernard,

Kathryn and Ian; his grandchildren, Reece, Kristy, Jennie and Erinn; his great-grandchildren, Collin, Ashtyn, Brecken, Greyson, Halo, Asim and Adalet; his nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces; many cousins and close friends. He is predeceased by his ex-wife, Helen Rosemary; his sister, Dorothy (AD) Estes; his brother, Dr. Joseph Springer; and his dear friend, Betty Mattson.

Frank was born in Elmwood, WI to Vera and Frank Springer and was instantly and forever adored by his brother and sister. The three would remain best friends throughout their lives.  Frank always wanted to be a doctor. His grade school teachers would get used to him drawing the bowels in class, but his mother never got used to him conducting chemistry experiments in the basement (and singeing his hair in explosions).

Doc Frank (as he was known) attended medical school at the University of WI-Madison, where he would meet his first love, future wife, and mother to his four children, Helen.  He practiced medicine for 67 years.  His first years of practice were as a medical doctor for the Navy during WWII in China and the West Pacific.  He was extremely proud to serve his country and had many memorable adventures, too.

After leaving the Navy, he took a trip to Elmwood where Dr. Breed was the practicing doctor.  At Dr. Breed’s request, he came in for a day to take over as he was sick.  Dr. Breed didn’t return the next day and Doc Frank did, starting his practice in Elmwood.  Eventually, he joined the Red Cedar Clinic and then Mayo Health Care systems where he worked alongside his two daughters, Mary and Jenny.  He became a well renowned doctor for delivering babies, making house calls in blizzards, treating 50 or more patients a day, getting paid with pies, bags of tomatoes and kittens or foals.  He was known by his peers as a brilliant physician and had a gift for diagnosing and treating medical issues that were unknowns.  Frank won a number of awards bestowed by the public and his medical colleagues.  He finalized his work at the Dunn County Health Care Center after 67 years of very personally gratifying work in the community he loved.

After semi-retiring in 2001, Frank would have more time to spend with his family and friends.  Frank would also get married to his wife, Dawn, in the fall of 2007.  They moved to Madison shortly after.  Frank would make weekly trips back home to see patients and visit family and friends.

Frank took joy in adventure, travel and the simple things in life. He would often catch a flight to New York

City for a broadway musical.  He enjoyed yearly ventures to attend a gem and mineral show in Tucson, Arizona with Dorothy and Betty.  Cannon Beach, Oregon was a memorable destination for Frank and family alike.  Frank would spend summers canoeing the Brule River in northern Wisconsin and would brag about how he could navigate the river, not only blindfolded, but also standing up.

Medicine, stethoscopes and hobbies aside, Frank deeply valued his family and friends and was a particular favorite of his grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  Whether it was catching sporting events, attending musical and fine arts performances, or just discussing important things about life, Frank was always delighted to be around them and share their interests.  His spirit will grow on through them.

Please join his children and grandchildren for a gathering of family and friends to celebrate Frank’s life at Welcome Home Assisted Living in Elmwood on Friday, December 29, from 4-8pm.  

Condolences

  1. Steven Schultz

    My sincere condolence to the Springer family. Your family will always be in my prayers.

  2. Patricia Fesenmaier Speake

    So sorry Susan,Mary,Jennyand Chip about the loss of your father. He was a wonderful Doctor and person. Thinking of you. .

  3. Frank Holt

    My condolences to the Springer family on the passing of a great and admired man. It always worried me when he told Vera that I needed a long lasting shot!
    When he delivered my son Jason he asked me about a middle name. He suggested that Frank was a good name, hence Jason Frank Holt. Dr. Frank will be missed. God Bless.

  4. Mary Hanson

    I wanted so bad to be able to come to Dr Franks Visitation,but the weather was nothing I wanted to venture out in ! You all have my sympathy and lots of thoughts and prayers . I had so many memories from him Delivering all 3 of my boys, to a lot of medical problems that he took care of. R I P DR.Frank

  5. Elliot Bjurquist

    The Springer Family has been a very special family to me. I want to express my sincere sympathy to all of you. You are in my thoughts.

  6. Clark & Susan Collett

    Dr Frank was our family’s doctor for years and we are thankful he was there for us all. Our thoughts are with all of the Springer family at this time of you loss.

  7. Kathy Dehnke-Pelzel

    What a wonderful man to be proud of with how he benefited so many people’s lives. Deepest condolences to the Springer family.

  8. Judi Bauer

    We send our sympathy to the Springer Family. Keeping you in our prayers.

  9. Deloris Field

    So very sorry for your loss he was a great Doctor he will be missed by many

  10. Connie Brenner Bayer

    Prayers for the family. Frank was a great doctor and friend.

  11. Beverly (Podoll) Spires

    I am so sorry for your loss, but very grateful for memories of 'Dr Frank'. Please know I feel your sorrow, and ask for your comfort in this distressing time.

  12. Sadie Polttila

    To God we belong and to Him is our return. Thinking of you all.

  13. Suzi Crownhart

    My sympathy to the Springer Family. Doctor Frank was the best!!

  14. Tom Baier

    A great doctor, above all a great man!

  15. Melissa Freiberg

    I want to send my condolences to the Spinger family. Dr. Springer took care of me as a child. I remember thinking so highly of Frank. Im so sorry for your loss.

  16. Jeannie Hague-Mandelkow

    Sorry for your loss. He will be loss by many. He was a great Doctor. Wish there was more like him. He was so good with us when Dad had his health problems and when Mom was in Rochester he came in to the office to meet with us after hours. He answered our questions so much better than the Doctors in Rochester. We will never forget him.

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