Carl John Fritsch

03/18/1916

03/03/2013

FACTS

Born: March 18, 1916
Death: March 3, 2013

Carl John Fritsch, age 96, passed away Sunday, March 3, 2013. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Ann Fritsch, and by his son Carl Stephen. He is survived by his sons, Dan (Jan) Fritsch, Mark, and by his daughter-in-law, Susan, as well as four grandchildren, Amy Sprik (Trevor), Carly, Stephanie and David Fritsch and two great grandchildren, Kian and Keeley Sprik. Mr. Fritsch was born in Batesville, Indiana on March 18, 1916 and served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He graduated from business school in Cincinnati and was employed for many years at Sarret’s women’s clothing store as their accountant. Carl was a wonderful and loving man whose sense of humor and cheerful disposition were captivating to all he met. He was tremendously proud of his Batesville upbringing and shared many stories of his happy childhood surrounded by a large extended family and by many friends. He never forgot making it to the state finals in high school basketball- a remarkable achievement for a small town in those days. When Carl met Ann Cwayna, they moved to Grand Rapids and raised their sons in the East Grand Rapids area. Although Carl lost his wife suddenly in 1970, he maintained his home on Oak Hollow Drive for 58 years before moving to Heather Hills Retirement Village. Carl had a remarkable sense of humor, never complained, and especially enjoyed family times and social activities with friends. He and special friend, Jane Korte, were companions for thirty years until her death in 2009. A gentle and good man, Carl will be lovingly missed by his family and friends. He leaves as his legacy the example of what it means to be a good person and to live a good life. His unwavering devotion to his Catholic faith guided his life and fostered the virtues of kindness, patience and forgiveness. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 6, at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2750 Burton St. S.E., Grand Rapids with Msgr. Ernest P. Schneider, presiding. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 5, from 6-8 PM with a Rosary to be held at 6:30 PM at the O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Rd S.E. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society, 129 Jefferson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

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