Dr. Jeffrey Allen Friederich

Dr. Jeffrey Allen Friederich, 62, Duluth, Minn., died August 31, 2021, at Solvay Hospice House.

Jeff was born in Peoria, Ill., on October 16, 1958, to Larry and Carolyn (Payton) Friederich.

Known for his quick wit and warm persona, Jeff dedicated his life to the service of others and did so with a brilliant sense of humor. Any room he entered was soon bursting with grins and laughs.

He grew up in small Midwestern towns and launched his career at 16-years-old when he became an orderly at a hospital in Scott City, a community that was close to his heart.

Jeff was generous with his time and shared his wealth of knowledge with organizations in multiple states, primarily Kansas, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Minnesota. He served as an EMS paramedic, volunteer sheriff’s officer and volunteer firefighter.

Board certified in both anesthesiology and critical care medicine, Jeff excelled as a medical director for various emergency services and flight teams. He also held academic appointments with the University of Kansas and Vanderbilt University.

A lifelong scholar of military history, he became a major in the Tennessee State Guard in 2009, and most recently, he worked as an anesthesiologist at Essentia Health in Duluth.

Jeff was a devout Orthodox Christian and music enthusiast. A guitar player, singer and composer, he enjoyed filling his home with fun tunes and good food. He was always in pursuit of the perfect pizza and someone willing to pull his finger!

He is survived by his devoted wife, Alisyn; son, Alexander; daughters, Sarah Ruger and Lisa Hill; stepdaughter, Olivia McCommons and husband, Kelly; stepson, Caleb Crawford; mother, Carolyn Friederich; brother, David Friederich and wife, Leah; and other treasured family and many friends.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Larry Friederich.

The funeral service will be on Friday, Sept. 3, 11:00 a.m., at Twelve Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, 632 E. 2nd St., Duluth, Minn.

Flowers can be sent to Dougherty Funeral Home (218-727-3555). Memorial contributions made in honor of Jeff may be sent to Twelve Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church in care of Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. 2nd St., Duluth, Minn., 55805.

To share your memories or condolences online, visit www.dfhduluth.com.