Fritz A. Moeller, D.P.M.

Moeller, Fritz Anthony,  D.P.M.
 

Fritz Anthony Moeller, DPM, passed away Monday, April 30, 2018 at the age of 80. He was born in El Paso, TX on February 14, 1938, but raised in New Mexico in Artesia and Las Vegas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fritz Arthur Moeller and Marie A. Grahn;  and sister, Janice.  He is survived by wife of 34 years, Rebecca; daughters, Vicki Moeller (Dr. Michael Reid) and Shelly Moeller (Paul Olafson); his sons, Timothy Bryan Moeller (Janise) and Kevin Anthony Moeller (Valerie); 7 grandchildren; sister, Patricia Moeller; and his beloved dachshund,  Bruno.  Doc Moeller knew he was loved and respected by his family and friends, neighbors, co-workers and colleagues, but was always humble and appreciative. He treated everyone as an equal. He unwittingly helped write his obituary by having previously written bios for various entities and affiliations. For his 55th high school reunion (East Las Vegas High, Class of 1956), he wrote that he participated in rodeos all over the country as a bull rider before showing up at the University of NM with a football scholarship (which he later switched to wrestling). He credits a guidance counselor with directing him to a relatively new field of medicine, podiatric surgery, and he was accepted to the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago after his junior year. During this time he married fellow UNM student, Bobbie Louise Werner, to whom Vicki, Shelly and Bryan were born. Fritz graduated Magna Cum Laude with a residency in foot and ankle surgery in Detroit to follow.  He returned to NM as the state's first residency trained podiatrist and established a private practice in Albuquerque, where he fought for the hospital staff privileges that all podiatrists enjoy today. As advised while at UNM, he was on the cutting edge of podiatry, authored and co-authored books on the subject and lectured all over the world. He was a fellow with the American College of Foot Surgeons, A Diplomate with the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, President of the NM Podiatric Medical Association and appointed to the NM Board of Podiatric Examiners by Governors Carruthers and King.
With second wife, Joann Lopez, Kevin was born, and a move to Cedar Crest resulted in Doc Moeller raising, training and showing quarter horses in the cutting horse arena. While marriage to Joann did not last, their friendship did. By then Vicki, Shelly and Bryan were living with their dad, sharing in the love of horses and horse show competition. Fritz served as President of the NM Cutting Horse Association for several terms. Third wife, Rebecca, joined them in Cedar Crest. An interest in cattle developed so Doc retired to San Acacia, NM north of Socorro with Rebecca to raise registered Texas Longhorn cattle. Still possessing the competition bug, he began showing their cattle around the country. This lead to many trips to Fort Worth, TX, involvement in the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America (TLBAA) and to his election as it's National Chairman of the Board for 2 terms. During this time, Presbyterian recruited Doc Moeller for a part time podiatry position at Socorro General Hospital from which he retired in 2013, having achieved Chief of Staff status, quite and accomplishment for a podiatrist. Upon retirement from SGH, the NM Podiatric Medical Society presented Dr. Moeller with its' Lifetime Achievement Award and the American Podiatric Medical Society recognized him for his 50 years of continuous membership.
The Moeller Family would like to thank Sarah Jackson, RN, Dr. Kayvan Ellini with the Pres. Heart Group, Dr. Tim Barrett and the Socorro General Hospital's ER and Home Health Care staff. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 2:00 pm at the Best Western Convention Center in Socorro. Guest rooms have been set aside with a friends and family rate for June 1st and/or June 2nd. Call 575-838-0556 and ask for Doc Moeller Memorial block. The family welcomes anyone who would like to speak at the memorial, but ask that they be called in advance at 505-263-9216. The family request that any memorial donations be made to the TLBAA World Headquarters Building Fund in the name of Dr. Fritz Moeller, PO Box 4430, Fort Worth, TX 76164 or to Socorro General Hospital Foundation Organization, 1202 W. Hwy 60, Socorro, NM 8780, in memory of Dr. Fritz Moeller.  To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com. Dr. Moeller's care has been entrusted to: 

Daniels Family Funeral Services
309 Garfield St
Socorro, NM 87801
575-835-1530