DR. DOUGLAS WAYNE FRERICHS

March 28, 1925 – May 14, 2025

Dr. Douglas Wayne Frerichs, a leader in Arizona ear, nose and throat medicine and pioneering Arizona skier, passed away at his Flagstaff-area home Wednesday, May 14, at the age of 100.

Born March 28, 1925, in Hondo, TX, Dr. Frerichs was brought as in infant to Arizona by his parents William and Hazel Frerichs.  After graduating from Prescott High School, he attended Dartmouth College where he received his bachelor's degree magna cum laude at age 19. After attaining his M.D. at the University of California, he pursued post-graduate studies in medicine at Dartmouth, New York University and Yale medical schools.

He served as a U.S. Army medical officer during the Korean War.  In 1954, he started his medical practice in Phoenix which he subsequently expanded into Ear, Nose and Throat Associates Inc.  A pioneer in advanced micro-surgery of the ear, he practiced medicine for 38 years before retiring to his home north of Flagstaff.

A participant in his family's two northern Arizona ranches, he enjoyed horseback riding, hunting, fishing, hiking, scuba diving, and piloting single-engine aircraft.  One of the Arizona Snow Bowl's earliest skiers, he became a certified ski instructor and skied worldwide until hanging up his skis at age 96 to enjoy walks, reading, and following current affairs.  Active in the Epiphany Episcopal Church of  Flagstaff, he and his wife Judi J. Frerichs regularly volunteered to serve food at the Flagstaff Family Food Center.

Dr. Frerichs is survived by his wife; his sons Douglas and Stephen Frerichs; step-children Stephen, David, and Carolyn Andro and Barbara Frisinger; his nephew Bill Frerichs; eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.  Memorial services at Flagstaff's Church of Epiphany will be announced later.