In Memory
Reported by Buzz Hayworth
Alden Eugene Fritz
Dec. 25, 1940 - Dec. 2, 2003
Alden Eugene "Sonny" Fritz, just shy of 63, joined his Almighty Father in Heaven on Tuesday, Dec. 2, after a 10-year courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Al had lived in Sunbridge Healthcare in Elkhart, Ind., since the fall of 1996. He was known to his family as "Sonny," and to his friends as "Al." He was a dedicated, faithful husband, loving father, and respectful son and friend. He was preceded in death by his sister, Donna J. Fritz; his brother, John Fritz; and by sister and brother-in-law, Gerry and Ray Barrier. God saw him getting tired and a cure was not to be, so He put His loving arms around him and whispered, "Come to me."
Al was born in Crumstown, Ind., on Dec. 25, 1940. Son of Alden and Doris Fritz, he was the third child out of four girls and three boys. He graduated from Central High School in South Bend in 1960. On Sept. 9, 1961, Al married Barbara C. Kuntz of Osceola, Ind. Al worked hard as a printing pressman for Mossberg Printing Company in South Bend, Ind., for almost 30 years.
Al was a true Christian in every sense of the word; an active and devoted member if the Church of Christ. Al gave selflessly to the church: preaching, song leading, treasurer, as well as confidant to many. He was an admirable and entertaining Sunday School teacher, especially to the little ones. Earlier in life, Al faithfully attended Caroline Street Church of Christ and later in life attended Eddy Street Church of Christ, both in South Bend. Al was firm in his belief to be straight-forward and honorable. He was a dedicated foster and adoptive father to several children. As a loving father, he instilled in all of us courage and strength to do and to be the very best we could.
Al was a longtime member of NRA, and loved target practice. He had zest for life, and anyone around him always caught themselves with a smile on their face because of his witty humor and compassionate way of making people laugh, and to genuinely make people feel good. Al was a fond lover of nature. He respected our earth and taught us to find wonder and peace in God's Glory. He loved to take us to The Res in Mishawaka, Ind., Turkey Run, and many state parks. Al absolutely loved camping. He took his family camping and on many family trips. In 1984 he was so overjoyed to find a peaceful lot at Jellystone Park in Pierceton that he bought it right away. Still today, the best memories of him are shared at the campfires that we all have shared together reminiscing of the wonderful man Father was before the terrible disease of Alzheimer's took him away from all who knew and loved him; believe me, that was anyone who ever was lucky enough to have met him.
Later in life, Al enjoyed table shuffleboard with Barbara at Battell Center in Mishawaka, all while he was in the early stages of Alzheimer's. He made dear friends there and was a joy to many. He loved his horseback-riding therapy at Loveway in Middlebury, Ind. It was wonderful to see how much happiness and peace this brought to him while surviving his illness. Loveway holds some of the greatest memories of Al. Al was very thankful for the peace, calm, and awareness that horseback riding gave him.
Al's favorite aunt was Irma, her husband Pete Cockrell, and their children of Indianapolis, Ind. She passed away in 1997. They were very supportive and generous with their home, hearts and understanding and compassion.
Al's favorite uncle and best friends was Roland Fritz "Todd" and his wife Donna of Florida, formerly of Fort Wayne, Ind. They shared many happy times on Uncle Todd's farm. Al loved Donna's pancakes and Todd's reflective good nature. They spent so much quality time together. Uncle Todd led Al in the right direction in life and his journey to follow Christ.
Al has a dear Aunt Doris Hughes, who he has always thought fondly of. He has many cousins.
In addition to Al's loving, supportive and faithful wife, Barbara C. Fritz, to whom he was married 42 years, he is survived by a son, and by two daughters, Martha Jean and Jewels Eugene; seven grandchildren, Stefane, Nate, Heaven, Ashley, Alyssa, and their mother Wendy, Amy and Adam. Al's parents, Alden and Doris Fritz of Walkerton; one brother, Bob Fritz; and two sisters, Sherri (Emeric) Szalay and Dolores (Robert) Freel; and many other family members.
Al will be missed by all related to him, and all who knew him. We all must remember that death leaves a heartache that no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. A Golden Heart stopped beating, hard-working hands are at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best. May his Love light a path for our sorrow and bring us to a place of comfort and peace.
A memorial service to celebrate Al's life will be held Saturday, Dec. 13, at 1:30 p.m. in Leighton Center, 534 N. Michigan in South Bend (across from Memorial Hospital).
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Al Fritz may be made to any Teacher's Credit Union.
12/29/2021 DEC
|