Elfred Emil "Fritz" Stelzer

1927 - 2025

Elfred Emil "Fritz" Stelzer Elfred Emil (Fritz) Stelzer, 98, of Georgetown, Texas, went home to his Lord and Savior on December 2, 2025. Fritz was born on October 22, 1927 in Thorndale, Texas. One of 8 children, he was brought up during the Great Depression and World War II. He attended St. Paul's Lutheran School and Thorndale High School where he had a huge interest in athletics. Fritz participated in football, basketball, softball, and baseball, and he also played in the high school band. In his early adulthood, he worked at the Brown Shipyard in Houston, Texas for a short time after high school graduation. Fritz joined the United States Navy and served on the USS Vammen in 1945 - 1946 after which he received an honorable discharge. After serving in the Navy, Fritz attended the University of Texas and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1950 and later a Master's Degree in Education in 1960.

After teaching and coaching in Thorndale for 4 years, Fritz married Janet Gaye Finnie of Georgetown on June 2, 1956. Fritz and Janet were happily married for nearly 54 years until Janet's passing in 2010. Fritz's career as a teacher, coach, counselor, and administrator for Georgetown Independent School District spanned 33 years. He was a member of the Georgetown Kiwanis Club for over 40 years and an active member of Faith Lutheran Church until his death. His hobbies included golf and fishing with friends, yard work, and playing "42" with family and friends. Fritz enjoyed the many family reunions with brothers, sisters, in-laws, nephews, nieces, parents, uncles, aunts, and cousins over the years. He also enjoyed family vacations throughout the United States in early years and traveling with his wife to Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, and various other destinations in retirement. Fritz was a passionate and dedicated Texas Longhorn fan and enjoyed attending many football and basketball games. In addition, he enjoyed Houston Astros, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Cowboys, and Georgetown Eagles games. Fritz also cherished visits with his 2 grandsons.

In addition to his loving wife Janet, Fritz was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Fred H. Stelzer and Sidonie Wissmann Stelzer; his brothers Clarence (w. Gertrude), Wilbert (w. Violet), and Marvin (w. Mary); sisters Mildred (h. Vic), Elinor (h. Stan), and Lucile (h. Alfred). Also preceding him in death were son-in-law Kevin Kellel and brother-in-laws Durward Shreve and A.G. Finnie. Fritz leaves behind to cherish his memory daughters Kimberly Hendrix and husband John of Selma, TX and Kathryn Stelzer and wife Shelley Ingram and grandsons Jack and Henry Ingram all of Austin; sister Eudoris Shreve of Austin and sister-in-law Rita Finnie of San Antonio; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, located at 4010 Williams Drive #1, Georgetown, Texas 78628, on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 10:30 AM. Serving as pallbearers are Jack Ingram, Henry Ingram, John Hendrix, and Ken Stelzer.

A very special thank you to the nurses, aides, and entire staff of The Wesleyan at Estrella in Assisted Living and Memory Care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 4010 Williams Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78628, or the Stelzer Family Endowment, Fund ID#: Stelzf End., Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105.