Peter M. Frenzel

Peter M. Frenzel, Marcus L. Taft Professor of German Studies Emeritus, passed away on May 20, at the age of 82. Frenzel arrived at Wesleyan in 1966 after receiving his BA from Yale, MA from Middlebury, and PhD from the University of Michigan. He served on virtually every major committee and in administrative roles, including associate provost, dean of arts and humanities, and chair of German Studies. He was a carillonneur, overseeing Wesleyan’s carillon bells, and played the glockenspiel with the pep band during football games. In retirement, Frenzel served on the advisory board for the Wasch Center for Retired Faculty and was editor of the Center’s newsletter. Frenzel was one of the foremost experts on the German Minnesang tradition of lyric- and song-writing. “Peter loved music in its more modern expression, as well, often sitting down at his piano for an impromptu riff or chasing the perfect Wagner Ring around the globe, visiting what seems like every operatic venue from New York to Sydney,” says Herb Arnold, professor of German and letters emeritus. Frenzel is survived by his wife, Laurie Neville Frenzel; his daughter and her partner; two grandchildren; and his brother.