Howard Harry "Fritz" Frederick

1926 - 2017

Frederick, Howard Harry "Fritz"
Frederick, Howard Harry (know by all as "Fritz") age 90, Vice President and General Manager at Mid America Broadcasting, died peacefully at Honor Health Hospital in Scottsdale, AZ, surrounded by family, on February 27, 2017. Fritz was born in Fort Madison, IA on October 18, 1926, the son of Joseph Alston and Eva May Frederick and brother to Walter. Fritz was a loving and devoted husband to Vera "Bee" Frederick for over 67 years. He was a proud father and grandfather, to daughters Aimee, Paula and Laura, and grandchildren, Christopher and Amanda and is survived by them, his son in law Jay Galvin and his wife Bee. In his late teens and early twenties Fritz was a touring musician along side jazz music greats including Tommy Dorsey, before serving in The United States Air Force, ultimately stationed in Ft. Nelson, BC. Not long after his military service, he became a broadcast engineer and eventually matriculated into radio station management. He rose to become the General Manager of WIRL-AM in Peoria, IL and oversaw the purchase of sister station WSWT-FM and WHOI-TV for Mid America among other broadcast acquisitions for the company during his tenure. Later in his career, Fritz and Bee, along with several other Midwestern broadcasters, were the principals in the acquisition of their own radio properties: KBIZ (Ottumwa, IA), WIBX/WIBQ (Utica-Rome, NY) and KKJO (St. Joseph, MO). Before retirement, Fritz was a broadcast and management consultant and mentor. He was civic minded throughout his life, serving on various boards associated with his personal and business interests including The First Federated Church of Peoria, The Peoria International Airport and The Illinois Association of Broadcasters where he was honored during his life as a past President. Fritz was an accomplished aviator, logging thousands of flight hours in various aircraft throughout his life and instilling the joy of aviation in his grandson. He was known as a capable, kind and generous leader and a loyal friend to his business and personal associates. Fritz was beloved by so many and will be remembered for his willingness to bestow his positive attitude upon every man, for his unrelenting fortitude and passion for life, and for his strong and enduring faith. His spirit lives on through his family, all of whom hope to perpetuate his mantra encompassing persistence, determination, good humor and altruism. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 11 at 10am at The St. Bernard Catholic Church in Scottsdale, AZ. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name are being accepted by Pilots N Paws at PilotsNPaws.org. PnP is an organization that incorporates both Fritz's love for aviation and animals for which his grandson is an active pilot volunteer. Donations are also being accepted at St. Bernard Catholic Church's building fund in Scottsdale, AZ. Please visit www.hansenmortuary.com for online condolences.