Hans Frischeisen, 84, of Ottumwa, died at 2:05 a.m. June 10, 2025 at Good Samaritan Society- Ottumwa.
He was born February 17, 1941, in Insterburg, in the East Prussian part of Germany. At nearly three years old, just a few months before the end of World War II, fleeing from the Russian army with his mother, riding on the handlebars of her bicycle into northern Germany marked the beginning of his lifelong passion for cycling, which stayed with him throughout his life. Hans came to Canada on a freighter when he was 21 years old and applied from there, for entry into the United States. On the day that President Kennedy was shot, he received his permanent green card to enter the U.S. where he spent his next 20 years working for IBM in sales. He established and operated the largest health and healing center in northern Navada and northern California called, “Everlasting Health and Professional Center,” which after a few years employed 9 full time who worked in the health products store there plus offices. Housing 23 natural health practitioners, 2 of them Medical Doctors open to natural approaches to staying healthy, 1 homeopath and 2 naturopaths as well as other practitioners for natural healing. On vacations, leaves and in retirement he circumnavigated the earth nearly six times by bicycle, kayak and hiking which he called, “muscle fuel.” His love for nature, cheerful personality and his open-minded positive outlook on life and the world and people in it, fostered friendships all over the world. Peace and understanding among nations were very important to him, as were natural healing methods and leading a healthy lifestyle. Hans was the last East Prussian, a generous and caring husband, father, well known author, a diligent worker, world traveler and so much more.
As for me, his wife, life partner, close friend and beloved; he taught me to love the world as he did and to care for the gift of this planet by our God, to groom it, love and care for it as if it were a part of us, because it is. Hans helped me to expand my mind with no boundaries. His words were, “Be open to everything and closed to nothing.” He showed me the beauty and wonders of 28 countries, he was my anchor for 26 plus years and so much more. He never, “belonged” to anyone here on earth and I knew that from the beginning, Hans belonged to the world! He loved the world with his whole being and all of us and each of us living on it. The world has lost his lovely, bright light, wonderfully loving, generous and caring persona. He shall be thoroughly missed by us all.
As for me his sister, Sabine, as my “big” elder brother, he was a supportive lifelong rock in turbulent times. My children and I owe him a lot, and his helpfulness, generosity, kindness and all his positive messages will always be a part of us and stay in our hearts. He closed his farewell letter with the words, “Laughter is the music of life and now I am going to explore other worlds. Your Hans in happiness.”
Surviving is his wife, Lois Eckroat of Ottumwa; his sons, Andy Frischeisen and Mark Frischeisen both of Oregon; two step children, Douglas Maize and wife, Lisa; and family, Nicki, Stephen, Joey and James. Christina Silone-Orman and husband, Rusty; and family, Christopher and Theresa; a sister, Sabine; a brother, Konrad Frischeisen and wife, Natalie; two nieces, Mara and Lisa; one nepher, Julian; and several cousins of whom reside in Germany.
His body has been cremated. No services are planned at his time.
