Edwin Fritz

Edwin L. Fritz, 94, of Sheboygan, passed away on Thursday, November 2, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family. Edwin was born on May 12, 1923, in Rockford, Il, to Edwin Donald and Bernice (Underhill) Fritz. His mother passed away in 1936 and he was raised by his Aunt Gladys. He attended elementary and junior high schools in Rockford, and in June of 1941 he graduated from Rockford East High School. Ed loved playing baseball. During his high school career, he went to the open tryouts with the St. Louis Cardinals. He would have made the team, but his aunt felt education was more important so he finished his schooling instead.
Ed proudly served with the US Army from February 1943 to December 1945 during WWII. He served as a T5 corporal in the Army, and served in the Pacific Theatre of operation including Hawaii, Guadalcanal, New Britain, Negros, Panay and Luzon (Philippines). Upon returning from the Army, Ed attended Layton Art School in Milwaukee from 1946 - 1949. On June 28, 1954, he was united in marriage to Joyce Howard in Waukegan, Il. She preceded him in death on October 17, 2004. They were able to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with their family, traveling to Washington, DC to attend the dedication of the WWII Memorial on May 29, 2004.
Ed was an award - winning salesman, most recently for Hubbell Inc from 1972 until his retirement in 1988. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sheboygan, and was baptized in May 2017.
In the early 1970's, Ed started the South High School Booster Club in Sheboygan. He enjoyed traveling, especially to Hawaii. He listened to music and truly enjoyed jazz and the Great American Songbook. He also enjoyed reading, golf, and dabbling in watercolors, but his true passion was watching and cheering on the Chicago Cubs and Bears. Watching the Cubs win the World Series in 2016 was one of the highlights of his life.
Ed is survived by his children Edwin Fritz Jr. and Toni (Alan) Pentek both of Sheboygan, by his grandchildren Liam and Naomi Fritz, sisters Nan Jean (Robert) Van Aken and Myra Schmitt both of Rockford, IL, and by several nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Joyce.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2017, at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 824 Wisconsin Ave., with Rev. Timothy Mech officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, November 7, 2017, from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the CHURCH.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in Ed's name.
The family would like to express a special thank you to dear friends Judi Fergadakis and family, Bob and Donna Girard, Mike and Sharley Cleereman, and everyone at Judi's Place for their love, care, and support over the years. They would also like to thank Dr. Mancheski and staff at Marsho Medical, Dr. Livermore and staff, Dr. Green and staff, Dr. Huberty and staff, Dr. Tauscheck and staff, Dr. Draeger and staff, Dr. Hoerth and staff, the caring people at the 14th St. CVS pharmacy in Sheboygan, Tender Hearts (Dawn, Mary & Karen), Kathy Steinbruecker, Christine Sloan, and St. Nicholas Home Health - Michelle, Lorraine, Stephanie, Jess, Eileen, Mary, Jessica, and Beverly, and the City of Sheboygan Paramedics and Police Department.