Dr. John Chenette Bax passed away peacefully on Friday March 13th at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, and service to both his patients and community.
He was born in DeKalb, Illinois to Frans Bax and Constance Chenette. During his childhood, his family moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he grew up alongside his siblings, older brother Frans and younger sister Constance. From a young age he developed a deep love for the Boy Scouts, an activity he shared closely with his father and one that would remain an important part of his life for decades.
He attended Purdue University for his undergraduate studies before pursuing his medical education at the Indiana University School of Medicine, earning his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1980. He then completed a five-year residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Miami Valley Hospital from 1980 to 1985. Dedicated to advancing his expertise, he completed multiple fellowships in hand and microvascular surgery, including training with the University of New Mexico’s Tucson division, the Microvascular Research Center at St. Vincent’s Hospital through the University of Melbourne, and the Johns Hopkins/Union Memorial Hospital Hand Surgery Fellowship.
After completing his training, Dr. Bax moved with his family to Appleton, Wisconsin, where he established a medical practice specializing in hands & upper extremities. In addition, he became the Chief of Surgery at Appleton Medical Center. Over the next 40 years, his practice grew to include several partners, and he became widely respected for his skill, dedication, and commitment to improving the lives of his patients all throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest.
Outside of medicine, he remained deeply committed to the Boy Scouts. An Eagle Scout himself, he carried the values of scouting throughout his life and later received Scouting’s Distinguished Eagle Scout Award as well as the Silver Beaver Award for his exceptional service to the scouts. He shared his love of scouting with his kids, Andrew, Lindsey, and Jonathan, serving as a scout leader for the local troop and later as a regional leader. Over the years he led several troops to both national and international Scout Jamborees, creating lasting memories and mentorship for countless young scouts.
He was also a devoted fan of The Beatles, amassing an impressive collection of Beatles memorabilia over the years. Friends and family looked forward each year to his legendary Beatles party, where he enthusiastically performed his best John Lennon impression—entertaining his friends and good-naturedly embarrassing his family in equal measure.
Dr. Bax also had a deep love for the outdoors and was an avid hunter throughout his life. Living in Wisconsin gave him the opportunity to enjoy both bow and gun seasons hunting whitetail deer, a tradition he cherished each year. His passion for hunting also took him on remarkable adventures around the world, from a polar bear trek in the Arctic Circle to an unforgettable African safari.
He is survived by his eldest son, Andrew Bax; his daughter, Lindsey White (Bax) and her husband Cliff, along with their sons Wade (4) and Wally (3); and his youngest son, Jonathan Bax and his wife Kelly, with their children Connley (5) and Parker (3). He is also survived by his brother, Frans Bax and his wife Cheryl, and his sister, Constance.
A celebration of life is being planned, details to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Valley Kids Foundation or a charity of your choice in his honor.
Dr. Bax will be remembered for his dedication to his profession, his love of family, his commitment to mentoring young people through scouting, and his joyful spirit that brought music, adventure, and laughter to those around him. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched as a physician, mentor, father, and friend.
