Kentner Fritz

1935 - 2021

Fritz, Kentner

MADISON - Kentner Fritz died peacefully on November 13, 2021 at Capitol Lakes in Madison. Kent was born on August 15, 1935 in Des Moines, Iowa. He was raised by his loving parents as an only child in Ames, Iowa. Kent grew up in an academic family, as his father was a professor at Iowa State University and his mother also graduated from the university.

Kent received his undergraduate degree from Iowa State University. He went on to receive a PhD in Industrial Psychology from Ohio State University. Kent spent most of his career working at the University of Wisconsin, where he helped to set up their first small computer lab. Kent also worked for the state of Wisconsin as a research analyst. Kent was on the Dean's Council at the University of Iowa for many years.

It was at the University of Wisconsin that Kent met the love of his life, Linda Nauth. They married on July 27, 1975 and enjoyed 46 years of marriage living on the bay in Madison. One of their fondest memories together was their RV trip up the west coast from Seattle to Vancouver, a cruise through the inner waterway, and then back to the USA through Canada all the way to Glacier National Park in Montana. They also enjoyed trips to the Southwest, especially Arizona, where they spent time with Kent's parents during their retirement. Kent taught Linda photography, which they embraced together as they visited National Parks and other beautiful places in nature. Micah, their beloved cat, travelled with them throughout many of their adventures. Micah's unique social and easy-going nature helped Kent and Linda meet new people wherever they travelled.

Over the course of many years, Kent and Linda rehabbed a dozen single family homes in their neighborhood, which they in turn rented out to UW students. They not only rented to students, but formed heartfelt relationships with them and their families. Kent encouraged his tenants to lead respectful lifestyles in the homes they rented and always inquired about their aspirations and career goals, mentoring them along their academic journey. Kent was gifted, inquisitive, and compassionate. He saw the best in people and showed genuine curiosity about their lives- he respected individuality, offering encouragement and help when he could. Kent enjoyed being a mentor and friend to those around him. This is a characteristic that is universally known in Kent's circles, even shown towards his caregivers at Capitol Lakes.

Kent is survived by his wife, Linda Fritz, in Madison WI, and his cousin, Linda Craven, in Laramie, WY. Kent is preceded in death by his parents, Martin Fritz and Mildred Baker Fritz.

A private funeral was held in November. A public memorial will be held at Memory Gardens in the spring of 2022 to celebrate Kent's life and to honor the lives of both his and Linda's parents.

Linda would like to express her deepest appreciation to the staff at Capital Lakes for their loving care of both Kent and herself. Kent was always interested in the wellbeing of the staff, particularly when discussing with them their educational goals. He will be missed more than words can say.