Michael C. Fritz

Michael C. Fritz, 76, of Clarion passed away on Monday, January 12, 2015 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.

Visitation for Michael Fritz will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with a Scriptural Wake service beginning at 6:30 PM, on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East in Clarion with Father Jerry Blake officiating. 

Michael Carl Fritz was born October 5, 1938 to Michael and Marcella (Wegrzynowicz) Fritz in Ashley, Pennsylvania.  Michael grew up and attended school in Ashley, where he graduated with the Class of 1956.  Following graduation, Michael served in the United States Air Force as a weather forecaster overseas in England.

After being honorably discharged, Michael returned stateside and worked for Western Union in New York City while residing in New Jersey.

While working in New York, Michael met Sarah Richter.  The couple were married August 4, 1962 in Rolfe, Iowa and made their home in New Jersey.  The couple later moved with their four children to Des Moines and St. Peters, Missouri before moving to Clarion in 1976.

Following his career with Western Union, Michael worked as an over-the-road truck driver for many years.  Following his retirement, he worked for EDS in Clarion for 4 years before retiring a second time.

Michael enjoyed playing solitaire and traveling with his family.  There were several trips to various National Parks around the U.S. as well as to Branson, Missouri.

Most of all, Michael enjoyed visiting his children and grandchildren and spending time with family.  He was a devoted husband and father.

Michael is survived by his wife Sarah of Clarion; daughter-in-law Mindy Fritz of Forney, Texas; children Cathy Shaw of Omaha, Nebraska, Mary Fritz of Grimes, Iowa, and Tom (Pam) Fritz of Shawnee, Kansas; grandchildren Alex (fiancée Lindsey Pfister) Shaw, Ryan Shaw, John Shaw, Scott Shaw, Austin Fritz, Mike Sabala, Melissa (Jesse) Hart; great-grandchildren Marissa, Melanie, Jesse and Alexis; along with numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, son Michael in 1997, sisters Anna and Janet, and mother-in-law Enid Richter.