James Paul Fratzke DMD

Dr. James P. Fratzke DMD
Date Of Birth: 12/01/1936
Date of Death: 11/18/2013

Dr. James P. Fratzke, DMD

James Paul Fratzke passed away on Nov. 18 after a long battle with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma and a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Jim was born Dec. 1, 1936, in Independence, Oregon, to Dr. C.A. and Fern Fratzke. He graduated from Central High School in Independence in 1955.

He graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Science in 1960 and was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

Jim graduated from the OHSU School of Dentistry, in 1963. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy and served at Camp Pendleton and on the U.S.S. Oriskany at the start of the Vietnam War.

In 1961, he married Barbara Ann Johnson of Portland. They moved to Salem in 1965 after he was honorably discharged from the Navy and opened his dental practice. He practiced dentistry in Salem for 37 years until he retired in 2002 and was a member of the N.E. Salem Lion’s Club for many years, contributing his time to several philanthropic and service projects in the community.

Jim served in several local, state, and national dental organizations throughout his career,

including as Editor of the Oregon Dental Association and as a delegate to the American Dental Association. He served as President of the ODA and as ODA PAC Chairman. He was elected into the fellowships of the International College of Dentists and the American College of Dentists and served as Chairman of both state associations, as well as President of the American Association of Dental Editors.

He is survived by his wife, Karolyn, whom he married in 2004 after Barbara had passed away; his son, Brian (Amy) Fratzke, of Bend; his daughter, Jill (Jeff) Hough, of Portland; and three grandchildren. He is also survived by two stepdaughters, Holly (Steven) Hatt-Podstreleny, of San Diego, Shauna (Del) Haley, of Bend, and six step-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Fay (Jim) Young, of Roseville, California.

A memorial service will be held at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha on Sun., Dec. 8, from Noon-3 p.m.

Donations may be made in Jim’s name to The Dental Foundation to support the Tooth Taxi, P.O. Box 2448, Wilsonville, Oregon, 97070, or via their website at www.smileonoregon.org.