Donald G. Fritz, 89, died December 26, 2023, in Manhattan, KS. Don was born October 29, 1934, at the family farm in Clay County, the son of Ernest and Lois (Neill) Fritz. He graduated from High School in Clay Center in 1952. Don served in the US Air Force from 1953 to 1957 as an aircraft mechanic. He was stationed in California, Texas, Arizona and on the island of Hokkaido, Japan. Don married Phyllis M. Henry on January 18, 1959, and she survives. They were married for 64 years. After the Air Force, he farmed, worked at Boeing Aircraft, Northwestern Aeronautical, D & D Farm Equipment, Porth-Aire, Simlo Manufacturing, Hutchinson Lear-Siegler, Dos Aviation, Tero-Tek International Landoll Corp, Contract Services and Beach Aircraft.
He was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and served on various boards. Don was baptized December 9, 1934. His memory verse was Mark 16:16, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." Don was confirmed March 21, 1948. His memory verse was John 10:27-28, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand."
Survivors include one son, Scott Fritz of Abilene, TX. One daughter, Sandi Roe and husband John Roe of Topeka, KS. Two sisters, Dorothy Debenham and June Kempthorne. One brother-in-law, Ken Henry of Chandler, AZ. One sister-in-law, Joan Reed and husband Ron of Salina, KS. Four grandchildren, Randee Roe and wife Macey Roe, Ryan Roe, Delilah Cramer and husband Jordan, and Kim Westfall and husband Seth. Two great grandchildren, Cohen Roe and Remy Roe.
Funeral Services: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Clay Center, KS
Minister: Pastor Paul Tessaro
Burial: Greenwood Cemetery, Clay Center, Kansas
Visitation: 9 a.m. until service time Tuesday, January 2, at St. Paul Lutheran Church
Memorials: St Paul Lutheran Church c/o the funeral home