Fred Lohse M.D.

Fred Lohse MD
Fred Lohse MD, age 82, passed away peacefully at home on September 20, 2024, surrounded by his beloved wife, Barbara, and their seven children: Kelly (Houlihan-Galvano), Katie (Houlihan-Finn), Kristine (Pearce), Kara (Knox), Erick, John (wife Katie Henderson), and Thomas. He is also survived by his nine cherished grandchildren: Charlotte (12), Jack (10), Emma (10), Samantha (9), William (8), Annie (8), Bridget (7), Teddy (7), and Elizabeth (4), as well as his brother, John Lohse of Palm Coast, FL. Fred was predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth, and his brother, Robert Lohse.
Born and raised in Yonkers, NY, Fred pursued his undergraduate degree at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. After graduating, he proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps, during the Vietnam era, for four years. Following his military service, he attended New York Medical College, where he earned his medical degree. Fred completed additional training in Emergency Medicine at Metropolitan Hospital in New York City, and dedicated 41 years to his career as an Emergency Room physician, primarily at New Milford Hospital.
Despite the immense responsibility of his career, Fred's greatest joy was always his family. He faced life's trials with remarkable humility and strength, never wavering in his commitment to those he loved. His wisdom, sense of humor, and guidance profoundly shaped the lives of his children.
At home, Fred's hands were rarely idle. He spent 35 years in the Lohse family residence in Ridgefield, where he was always busy fixing, building, painting, mowing, and creating a welcoming environment for his large family. A voracious reader with a sharp intellect, Fred had a passion for books on the Civil War and military history. His curiosity extended beyond history; he was fascinated by genetics, space exploration, astronomy, and medical research, often found with a copy of Scientific American in hand. As a dedicated father and Pop-Pop, he could tell stories about the stars and galaxies, explain how things worked, and discuss the intricacies of history. A die-hard New York Yankees fan, he shared his passion for the team with his children and grandchildren, creating lasting memories as he never missed a televised game, even until his final days
Fred's love for his family was limitless. He worked tirelessly to provide for them, instilling the values of hard work, integrity, and patriotism. To his children, he was not only a father, but also a teacher, a role model, and the foundation of their lives. He encouraged athletic pursuits and the value of teamwork, always emphasizing the importance of sports. In his youth, Fred was a gifted athlete with remarkable stamina and strength, excelling in football, rugby, boxing, and track. He was also the proud recipient of the prestigious USMC Chesty Puller Award, given to the outstanding recruit in each company during basic training. This honor recognized his exceptional leadership, performance, and dedication. Fred's spirit will live on through the values he instilled in his family and the kindness he showed to everyone he met.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 26, at Jesse Lee United Methodist Church in Ridgefield, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred's memory may be made to the Appalachian Service Project (ASP), c/o Jesse Lee UMC, 207 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877, as well as to the Wounded Warrior Project and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield, is in care of arrangements.