"Roger was an active member in the Watkins Collector Club. We collect tins, bottles and other advertising items from the JR Watkins company, Winona Minnesota. I am the editor of our club newsletter & I knew Roger through the club, as he attended most every convention. He was a really nice man and an enthusiastic and knowledgeable collector. He shared stories of his father & growing up in Winona and his memories of the Watkins company. He will be missed in our club. Our thoughts are with you."
In loving memory of
Roger H. Fritz
November 29, 1939 - January 25, 2006
Roger H. Fritz, 66, of Stockton died Wednesday January 25, 2006 in a motor vehicle accident on Highway 95 in Woodbury.
Roger was born November 29, 1939 in Lewiston to Otto & Dora (Haake) Fritz. He graduated from Winona High School and Winona Vocational School where he studied Tool and Die. Roger served in the National Guard for six years. He and Joanne Ellenz were married November 23, 1963 in LaCrosse. They lived in Minneapolis, Iowa, and Minnesota City before moving to Stockton in 1970. Roger was retired from Peerless Chain in Winona, where he worked as a Tool & Die Maker for 30 years. Following retirement he drove the Winona County Veterans van and drove cars for local auto dealerships.
Roger enjoyed playing cards, traveling, woodcutting and gathering and cracking walnuts. He enjoyed deer hunting and spending time in the woods. Most of all he loved to spend time with his grandchildren. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Stockton where he currently served as Council President. Roger belonged to the Stockton Promotional Group, Lewiston Sportsmen's Club, National Autumn Leaf Collector Club and he had served on the Oakland Cemetery Board as Sextant and Treasurer for many years.
Survivors include his wife Joanne, four children, Terry Fritz of Shanghai, China; Jim (Lori) Fritz of Long Prairie, MN; Karl (Tammy) Fritz of LaCrescent and Amy (Scott) Jansen of Appleton, WI, seven grandchildren: Colin, Riley, Jarrett, Dane, Zack, Alana and Halle, four brothers, Marlin Fritz of Kearney, NE; Eldon (Lou) Fritz of Goodview; LaVern (Jaye) Fritz of Minnesota City and Lyle (Joyce) Fritz of Homer, two sisters, Doris Doebbert of Cochrane, WI and Elaine (Laverne) Johnson of Homer. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law Stanley Doebbert.
Funeral Services will be 11AM Monday, January 30 at Grace Lutheran Church in Stockton with the Rev. Christopher Seifferlein officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Stockton. Friends may call from 3-7 PM Sunday at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service - Hansen Tribute Center in Goodview. They may also call one hour before services at the church on Monday. Please share a memory of Roger on his on-line guest book at www.hofffuneral.com
Tributes
"So sorry to hear about Roger. I really enjoyed the warm welcome I always received from Roger at the annual Haake family reunions. A truly wonderful man."
"We liked Roger the first 5 minutes we visited with him. WHAT A NICE GUY HE WAS! Many enjoyable conversations with him at the Watkins collectors convention. WE WILL MISS his pleasant personality. Our deepest sympathy to all who loved him. I know he was 'special' Al and BJ"
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"Growing up here, I've known the Fritz family since Otto and Dora cut hay in Ida's field next our house. The hay was piled on the wagon with pitchforks back then. I came to know Eldie and LaVerne on ball diamonds around the area. It was later, as an adult that I struck a friendship with Roger. When volunteering for one thing or another, I'd always look forward to anything where he was involved. Two things I particularly admired about the man were his habits of thinking before he spoke and being able to say "I don't know" - when he didn't. I also wanted to acknowledge his hours spent with the town's children at the Little League diamond. The guy honestly hated to say "no" to anyone who asked for his help. Our Stockton Community has laid to rest today, not only a hometown boy, but a treasure. To Joanne and the rest of the Fritz family, thanks for sharing him with us."
"I am orginally from Stockton, Minn. I know Roger from my childhood & teen years, he was a good man. He will be missed. My prayers are with you."
"I have known Roger for many years, we've shared hunting stories, and played many a game of cards together. I'll always remember him taking the tickets for the Lewiston Sportsman picnic. Joan and family please know you are in our prayers, and that Roger is watching over us all now. God Bless each of you in your loss of a very dear loved one."
"It hurts to be here in Florida and not be able to share our thoughts and prayers with you Joann and your family in person. We were priviledged to have known Roger, Wes having known him much longer than I. He was a warm caring person and we will miss him. We send our thoughts and prayers to you all. Love Wes and Brenda Whetstone"
"Roger's family, I am so sorry for your loss. I'm glad I had the privilege of knowing Roger and having worked with him at Peerless Chain for many years. He will be missed because he was a pleasant and very likeable person. His fellow-retirees will be missing his presence every 3rd Mon. at Beier's. Sincere sympathy, Al Gappa and my wife, Dian"
"We had some great conversations at Stockton Standard on Sat. mornings with the coffee gang. Roger always had some great stories and knew a lot about Stockton history. I really miss those times. God Bless you and your family Joanne."
"I can never forget Roger. Actually, I owe him my life. We were neighbors of the Fritz family when I was 8 years old. One day Terry, Jimmy, my brother Brad and myself went wading in the stream across the highway. Roger and my Dad came along to keep an eye on us. I was walking in the water near the shoreline because I could not swim like the other boys. I happened to step into a "hole" and sank beneath the water screaming for help even while under the water. Before I blacked out, I vaguely remember being grabbed by my hair. I awoke to find Roger pushing on my chest, pumping out the water. I was shortly back on my feet and running around as if nothing had happened. I have never forgotten him for this, and never will. I am deeply saddened to hear of his departure from this life. He will long be missed and remembered. My deepest sympathy goes out to Joanne and my old childhood friends Terry and Jim. And to Karl and Amy as well."
"I have know Roger for 33 years. I used to babysit for Roger and JoAnnes 4 children. Roger was very kind and generous. He loved to talk to everyone. He was so kind. When my kids were in Little League Roger was Assistant Coach and he was so good to all of the kids. He treated them like they were his own and enjoyed his time with them. We will miss Roger very much! I'm sure all his family has are Good Memories of there Precious Loved One as I do. God Bless You All!"
"I have known Roger for over 30 years. He was an ever-present figure in my childhood. When I think of him, I picture him either carrying a bucket through the yard doing his chores or pushing a wheel barrow full of wood. He was always so busy. I rarely ever saw him sitting idle. He really enjoyed teasing us as kids (and adults!). The creepier the critter, the better. And he passed this trait down to his sons as well. I will never forget the time he rescued me from the muddy spring when I fell in pushing that baby buggy! Roger was a wonderful man who will be very sadly missed."