George Franklin Judisch

George Franklin Judisch

Iowa City

George Franklin Judisch, 86, passed away at his home on May 29, 2023.

Frank was born on May 27, 1937, to Louis and Clara (Mann) Judisch in Ames, Iowa, where his parents were attorneys. He graduated Ames High School in 1954 and attended Iowa State University before moving to Iowa City and attending the University of Iowa School of Medicine, graduating in 1962. He began his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Iowa Hospitals. He was sent to Corpus Christi, Texas and the Naval Base for two years. After service, he finished his residency at The University of Iowa Hospitals and joined the firm of Wise and Winnery as an ophthalmologist.

After several years in private practice, Frank accepted a position in the Ophthalmology department in pediatrics with plans to be their first pediatric geneticist. He had a one-year sabbatical in genetics at Johns Hopkins. He stayed at the University of Iowa until his retirement at age 60.

Frank had many hobbies and interests and was known for his generosity. He aided the American Cancer Society, the Ames Historical Society, Doctors Without Borders, etc. One interesting donation was building and furnishing a missionary school in a small community in Tanzania. The school was dedicated to and named for his friend and mentor Dr. Frederick Blodi.

Frank served on several boards, among them the Board of Governors at Iowa State University, and the Governing Board of Iowa Public Television-fundraising campaigns.

After his retirement and to his family’s amazement, he succeeded in building and furnishing, complete with a generator, a three-bedroom log cabin in the Canadian wilderness accessible only by boat, portage or sea plane. He told everyone that it was truly “A fisherman’s dream.”

Frank is survived by his wife of 64 years, Susan; his children, Lisa (Scott) Graham, Frank Jr. (J.P. Perkins), Mary Beth (Chris) Cartwright and John (Jennifer); 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister, Jan Judisch and his brother, James; as well as two nieces and a nephew.

Per his wishes, there will be no public funeral and private family interment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice as Frank and his family would be honored by your generosity.