Skip to main content

In Memory: Dr. Laurel (Neff) Fritzen (PU DVM 2001)

A portrait of a woman wearing academic regalia, smiling at the camera.

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine family is saddened to learn that Dr. Laurel Michelle (Neff) Fritzen (PU DVM 2001) passed away suddenly at her home in Morton Grove, Ill., on December 11, 2019.  She was 45. Dr. Fritzen earned both her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees at Purdue University in 1996 and 2001, respectively.  She is survived by her husband, Joe Fritzen, and two children.  Dr. Fritzen is remembered as someone who loved her animals, learning, books, crocheting and sewing, and Elton John, but most of all loved her family.  A memorial visitation was held Saturday, January 4, at Simkins Funeral Home in Morton Grove, Ill.

Memorial contributions may be made to PAWS Chicago or to the ASPCA. More information is available at Evanston Funeral.com.

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

“Paws Up” for Craig Weiderhaft – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week we want to give a big “high five” to Craig Weiderhaft who is a phone communications and front desk representative at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital.

Dogs across the Midwest find customized care at the Evan and Sue Ann Werling Comparative Oncology Research Center

Studying canine cancer — including personalizing treatments, honing protocols and exploring new drugs, all of which will shed light on human cancer care — is the focus of veterinary researchers at a specialized center at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Faculty and staff contributions move Purdue Veterinary Medicine toward goal for Purdue United Way Campaign

With the 2026 Purdue United Way Campaign in full swing, Purdue Veterinary Medicine faculty and staff participation is advancing the college toward its campaign support goal. At the halfway point of the campaign, figures show the college is nearly halfway to its goal of raising $20,000.

In Memory – Dr. Raymond E. Plue (PU DVM ’68)

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Raymond E. Plue, who was a generous, fun-loving, adventuresome and larger-than-life alumnus. Dr. Plue passed away Saturday, October 10, 2026, in Columbia, Missouri. He was 81.

Annual Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog grows in participation and dollars raised

The numbers are in from the 2026 Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog and they paint a beautiful picture of a very successful event, both in terms of the number of human and canine participants and the funds raised for Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Priority 4 Paws shelter medicine program. Beautiful weather and the enthusiasm of both dogs and runners contributed to the fun and excitement of the annual 5K run/walk, which generated numerous fun photo ops and raised significant funds for a good cause.