Dr. Ed B. Miner

Edward Budd Miner, MD of La Crosse passed away on November 22, 2019 surrounded by his family at the Bethany St Joseph Care Center from complications of Parkinson’s disease. He was born to Percy L. and Esther E. (Smith) Miner on January 20,1933 in Pepin, WI where everyone had a nickname, his was Budd. He graduated from Pepin HS in 1950. He went on to earn his second moniker, Dr Ed, graduating from the University of Wisconsin with a bachelor’s degree in medical science in 1954 and his medical degree in 1957. He and Jean Ann Quisenberry met in the registration line at UW-Madison. They were married June 15, ^, 1957 and the couple moved to Indianapolis where Ed completed his residency, serving as chief resident, and then completing a fellowship in endocrinology and metabolism.

In the early 1960s, Dr. Ed worked for the U.S. Public Health Service with the National Institutes of Health in Washington, D.C. Dr. Ed came to La Crosse in 1964 to join Internal Medicine at the Gundersen Clinic. He practiced medicine for 35 years until retiring in 1999. As a primary care physician and medical educator, Dr. Miner touched the lives of many people. He served as the Secretary Treasurer of the Gundersen Medical Foundation supporting education and the growth of the clinic over his tenure. He championed housing and services for the aging and disability community, water fluoridation, and advanced health care planning.  Sally and Dr Ed were recently honored for their contributions to the community with the Founder’s Award from the Gundersen Medical Foundation.

Ed and Jean raised three daughters and it brought a smile to his face to talk about them if anyone asked. He was a long-time member of the La Crosse Jazz Society, appreciating the great local and national talent that gathered for the Jazz Fest. His passions were music and people. Everyone benefitted from his marvelous memory for the details of people’s lives and his ability recall these details when he spoke with friends, patients and colleagues. He had a wonderful knack of showing people that we are all connected to one another in some way.

Ed married Sally (Schmitz) Frick on April 17, 1998. Together they enjoyed his retirement, traveling widely, enjoying sporting events on both sides of the river, entertaining friends, volunteering, and watching the grandchildren grow up. Ed was an active member of his church community first at Asbury United Methodist and then at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir, and performed in the bell choir.

Ed is survived by his wife Sally (Schmitz Frick) Miner; his daughters, Jennifer Miner (Ross) Asselstine of San Anselmo CA, Dr Pamela Rae (Julie) Miner of Portland OR, and Amie Elizabeth (David) Bates of Nashville TN; his stepsons, Adam (Wendy) Frick of La Crescent MN, and Alex (Kris) Frick of Dakota MN; and his grandchildren, Brett and Claire Asselstine, James and McCall Bates, Reid and Miles Miner, Haley, Hunter and Hannah Frick, and Karina Puent. He was preceded in death by his parents, a step-grandson, Zachary Puent, son-in-law, Martin Kragness and his former wife, Jean (Quisenberry) Miner.

The family would like to express their profound appreciation of the staff of Bethany St Joseph Care Center for their attentive, professional and compassionate care. As his last expression of caring and service he is donating his body to his alma mater, University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Gundersen Medical Foundation, LaCrosse Community Theater or the charity of your choice.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, November 25 ^th at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 21 N. Hill Street, La Crescent with Pastor Mike Woods and Pastor Kent Johnson officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 24th from 2-6 P.M. at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 200 West Avenue South, La Crosse. Visitation will continue at the church on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services.