Fredrik Francois "Frits" Broekhuizen M.D.

1945 - 2018

Broekhuizen, Fredrik "Frits" Francois M.D. Husband, father, friend, physician, mentor, teacher, lecturer, healer, advocate, sports enthusiast, conversationalist, world traveler, supporter of the arts. Frits loved it all and lived with courage and optimism to the end, succumbing after a long battle with cancer at the age of 72. Frits believed a better world was possible. Throughout his career he relentlessly advocated to improve health care for women. Through teaching and lecturing and patient care he inspired others by passing on his vast knowledge and passion for bringing good health care to women in need. In addition to his work in the US, this commitment took him to Asia, Africa and South America. Frits was born in Den Haag, the Netherlands, and received his M.D. from the University of Utrecht Medical School in the Netherlands. After 3 years working in Ethiopia on a Dutch government foreign aid mission he completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Wisconsin Medical School in Madison. His 37-year career in Milwaukee began at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health at the Sinai-Samaritan Medical Center where he rose to the position of Chairman of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In 2001, Frits moved to Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin as a full professor and retired as Professor Emeritus in 2016. From 2001 to 2015, he also served as Medical Director of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. He received numerous accolades and awards for his advocacy and participation in local and national organizations, including the Community Service Award from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, The Callon-Leonard Award from the Wisconsin Association for Perinatal Care and twice the President's Award from this organization. His peers agreed that Dr. B's passion to improve women's health care was relentless. One of his peers summed it up, "He was a born fighter, a fierce advocate, and a formidable opponent. He liked nothing better than a challenge or a good argument...including with the insurance companies or a health care institution...all on behalf of the patients he served...all in the pursuit of social justice and women's rights...he was a champion in every sense of the word." Frits always looked to the future, making plans for time with family and friends, plans to travel, plans to attend the Brewer's games or the theater and to learn new things. His zest for life, work and play gave him purpose which together with a strong will kept him going. He leaves behind the family he loved and who loved him dearly: his wife of 48 years, Ruth "Jill" Broekhuizen (nee Loenneke), son Lodewijk "Lodi" (Marla Sanvick), daughter Jean Jay Louise, sister Louise "Wies" Broekhuizen Schaap (Wim), cousin Edward Broekhuizen (Maria), brother-in-law Louis Loenneke and many nieces and nephews. The family thanks Dr. Hari and his team, P.A.s, nurses, technicians, therapists and many more at Froedtert Hospital who tirelessly cared for and encouraged Frits over many years and many hospital stays. We also thank our many dear friends for their continuous support which sustained him and is sustaining us. A "Celebration of Life" will take place from 1:00 to 4:00PM on Sunday, February 25, at North Shore Country Club, 3100 W. Country Club Dr., Mequon, WI, 53092, with a time of sharing honoring Frits's life at 1:00PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Planned Parenthood of WI, Attn: Development, 302 N. Jackson St., Milwaukee, W, 53202, The Southern Poverty Law Center, or a charity of your choice.