Elmer Fritz's Obituary
Elmer Ray Fritz, son of Ray and Macie Lovella Rippee Fritz, was born January 12, 1936 in Hartville, Missouri. He departed this life Sunday, November 29, 2009 in James River Care Center, Springfield, Missouri at the age of seventy-three years, ten months, and seventeen days.
On January 31, 1959, he was united in marriage to Rose Marie Swift and together they have shared the past 50 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son; and a grandson, Anthony W. Goss.
Elmer is survived by his loving wife Rose, of the home; his children Ray Fritz of Mansfield, Missouri, Sandra Goss of Mountain Grove, Missouri, David Fritz of Mansfield, Missouri, Jimmy Fritz of Mansfield, Missouri, Angie Smith of Hartville, Missouri, Sara Fritz of Mansfield, Missouri, Teresa Montgomery and husband Lance of Springfield, Missouri, Tim Fritz of Mansfield, Missouri, and Loretta Fritz of Mansfield, Missouri; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and many dear friends.
Elmer was born and raised in Hartville and was a graduate of the Hartville High School. Shortly after graduation, he joined the Air Force and met and married Rose. They spent time living in many foreign countries, the states of Washington, Texas, Missouri, and Oklahoma before retiring from the Air Force in 1976. After retiring from the Air Force, Elmer and Rose moved back to Hartville where he started his second career at the United States Postal Service, retiring in 1991 after fifteen years of service.
He was of the Catholic faith and attended the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Mansfield.
Elmer was a true family man. He loved to tease others and had a nickname for everyone he knew. He always left a smile on people’s faces.
In his spare time, Elmer enjoyed fishing, working on computers, going bowling and square dancing, as well as playing Gray Beard Baseball.
Elmer was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and accomplishments and will treasure the wonderful memories he has created for his family and many dear friends.
Mass of Christian Burial for Elmer Ray Fritz will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 3, 2009 in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Mansfield, Missouri.
Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri.
Visitaion will be at 9:00a.m. Thursday morning in the church with a Rosary service at 9:30 a.m.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Hartville.
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