William Arnold Fritz

 

On the evening of October 24th, 2023, William Arnold Fritz celebrated his 93rd birthday and then went to his Eternal home in Heaven.  He was born in Minden, Louisiana in 1930 to William and Aubyn Fritz. He is predeceased by his first wife of 67 years, Shirley Gwendolyn Hull Fritz. 

Surviving are his two daughters, Dr. Elizabeth Bell and husband Roger of Las Vegas and Jean Kowaleski and husband Rory of Doyline, five grandchildren, Statler Hasley and wife Erin Leilani, Keri Lee and husband Brian, Erin Hasley-Wever and husband Doug, David Kowaleski and fiancée Kristian Nuckolls, and William Bell and wife Cecillia.  He has 3 great-grandchildren, Karoline Lee, Slater and Sloan Hasley.  His brother, Don Fritz and his late sister, Betty Booth, a sponsor son, Thomas Randers and wife Eva Lou, and his wife Syble.    

Arnold honorably served in the U.S. Navy as chief petty officer and was assigned to a few aircraft carriers. He played an integral role during the Cuban Crisis in 1961. He and his family were stationed along the Eastern coast in Florida, New York, and Virginia.  He spent some of his earlier years in Hot Springs at the Navy recruitment office. In addition, he and his family were sent to Europe where he was assigned at the MAAG in Lisbon, Portugal and NATO in Oslo, Norway. After his retirement, he came to Minden, attended school and became a qualified draftsman. He was employed at Minden Lumber Company and Howard Lumber Company.  If he wasn't drawing house plans, he and his wife Gwen traveled extensively in the United States.  He tirelessly spent hours talking on his ham radio, W5GDD, following in his father footsteps, W5BZR.  Arnold loved building and even learned to enjoy having a garden.  He was genuinely devoted to his grandchildren and family.  He was a member of the Doyline United Methodist Church.  He was also instrumental in constructing a Fellowship Hall for the church with other members and many volunteers he knew in the construction business.  This past year he has enjoyed being a resident at The Oaks of Louisiana.

Pallbearers will be Statler Hasley, William Bell, David Kowaleski, Paul Fritz, Randy Watson, and Kyle Carter.  Honorary pallbearers will be Doug Wever and Brian Lee.  

A special thanks to the devoted staff at The Oaks, Willis Knighton Bossier, Carpenter House of St. Joseph, and Dr. Kennedy Lim.  Also, a special thanks to Don, Keri and Karoline for their support. William was surrounded by a loving family and friends throughout his life.  

Graveside services will be held Saturday, November 4th at 11 a.m. under the direction of Rose Neath Funeral Home in Minden.  Officiating will be Bro. Bruce Lee.