Daniel Jason "Dan" Fritz

Daniel "Dan" Jason Fritz was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on August 19, 1971, and passed away too soon on September 26, 2024, at the age of 53 years. He was born to Thomas Rae Fritz and Gail Ann (Trudeau) Fritz. Dan attended Webster Groves High School in St. Louis, Missouri. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Tara Lynn (Puglisi) Fritz, during a special wedding ceremony Dan planned and surprised Tara on March 30, 2018.
Dan was an accomplished musician and entertainer from an early age. He learned to play multiple instruments from piano, banjo, and guitar; to writing songs; performing live in bands during high school, college, full-time performing professionally, with one band a traveling Christian band; to then promoting music through various avenues.
Dan's first performance of his original work, "Calvary" was at the family's Baptist church they had started attending. He performed this song with his mom, Gail.
In 1993-2000, Dan formed his own band – Johnny Q Public. Within the first year of rehearsal, they signed a record contract with independent label, Gotee Records, in Nashville, Tennessee. Johnny Q Public was a popular band with many record labels visiting Springfield to hear the "hot, new, upcoming band." Eventually, Dan's band was signed with Elektra Records.
In 2006-2017, Machine Gun Symphony, was originally started as a prank for an initial performance. This band grew into a successful cover band with a large following.
Dan continued his influence in music by creating opportunities for others to share original songs and musician's stories through social media, his Songpull event website, and the Unsung Screamers podcast alongside his wife, Tara.
Dan and Tara purchased and were operating two bars and restaurants, Marty's Sports Bar and Bugsy's, at the time of his passing. These venues allowed Dan and Tara to continue their music vision. Many original and established bands perform at these music venues, as well as those who love to have fun singing karaoke and enjoy time together. At Marty's and Bugsy's, Dan had the perfect opportunity to share his love of cooking as well.
While balancing his love of music and family, and owning two restaurants and bars, Dan was an entrepreneur in other areas where he could use his creative abilities and talents. At the age of 19 years, he started work as a trim carpenter. Dan later used these skills and founded Fritz Designs and Concepts, Inc in 2001, specializing in amazing custom cabinetry. Some of his work has been featured in St. Jude Homes, 417 Magazine Homes of the Year, and the "Extreme Home Makeover" show. One of his most prized cabinetry works was for John Dillon of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, as he was raised on their music while growing up in St. Louis.
Through Dan's career and influence in music and businesses he owned, Dan recently wrote that he was no stranger to people pleasing in a healthy way. No stranger to customer satisfaction. No stranger to big incomes and big payrolls. And he was no stranger to getting back on his feet when he was knocked down!
Dan cherished his family and spending quality time with them. He loved making people happy.
He especially loved his beloved wife, Tara; two sons, Elvis and Bono and their mother, Marla; his mother, Gail; brothers: Barney (Tracy) Fritz and Andrew Fritz; host of nieces and nephews and other extended family; and hundreds of friends, all of whom survive him. Dan is preceded in passing by his father, Thomas Fritz.
Recently, Dan expressed his wish to fill his family home with plants. The family asks that to fulfill Dan's wish, green plants, such as ferns, not flowers, are provided for his funeral.
The family kindly requests that since Dan passed unexpectedly, donations are made to help his family with funeral expenses. Donations may be made to Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, 2001 West Walnut Lawn Street, Springfield, Missouri 65807, or directly to the family.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October,4 2024, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, 2001 West Walnut Lawn Street, Springfield, Missouri 65807.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at The Riff, 1900 West Sunset Street, Springfield, Missouri 65807. If anyone wishes to speak, perform music, or send a video message, please forward your request to Ken Bassham at kenbassham@gmail.com, who is assisting the family in coordinating this event.
Dan will be laid to rest at Maple Park Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri, at a private burial.
Care has been entrusted to Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd – DeGraffenreid-Wood Crematory Springfield, Missouri.
To send flowers to the family of Daniel "Dan", please visit our floral store.
If you would like to make a donation in memory of Daniel "Dan" Jason Fritz, please visit the
Tribute Fund.