Hermann Fitz

Hermann Fitz, 83, of Eau Claire went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on Aug. 31, 2025, in St. Joseph, surrounded by his beloved family.

Hermann was born to Adolf and Martha Fitz on Nov. 26, 1941, in Dubidze, Poland. After losing their farm in Volhynia to the war, but escaping with their lives, the Fitz family immigrated to Coloma in 1952. Hermann thrived in the U.S. and graduated in 1961 from Benton Harbor High School. In 1963, he graduated from the first Manpower Job Training Machine Shop program in Berrien County and then in 1968, a tool and die apprenticeship program through Lake Michigan College.

Hermann was a master tool and die maker. He diligently worked for Paramount Die Casting Co., Auto Specialties Manufacturing Co. and Weldon Industries before dedicating the final years of his career to Hanson Mold, where he was frequently assigned the most challenging projects. As a faithful member of Oakridge Community Church, Hermann served for decades as Sunday school superintendent and enjoyed singing bass in the church choir.

In 1964, he married Adel Rutsch. The two of them built a wonderful life together for 60 years on their farm in Sodus where they raised three children and kept chickens, farm animals, many barn cats, dogs, fruit trees, flowers and a large vegetable garden. Hermann especially grew close to his grandchildren: Andrew, Brittany and Caitlin, who lived right next door. He was grateful for being cared for by them in recent years.

Hermann loved the forests and the fields and he enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing with his family (as long as they put their own worms on the hooks and took their own fish off). Hermann also excelled at collecting projects. With legendary ingenuity and perseverance, he could repair almost anything given enough time and the replacement parts, which he often had lying around somewhere, just waiting to be somehow adapted to fit.

Hermann is survived by his sister, Elfrieda (Fitz) Krebs of Stevensville; his children: Reinhard "Reiny" (Becky) Fitz, the Rev. Karen Fitz La Barge (Bill) and Lori (Paul) Brodie; his grandchildren: Andrew Fitz, Brittany (Mark) Stallings, Caitlin (Dennis) Davis, Elisa "Vox" La Barge, Madison Brodie and Aiden Brodie; his great-granddaughters: Aria and Gweneth Stallings; as well as many dear nieces, nephews, in-laws and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Adel Fitz in 2024 and his infant son, Gerhard Fitz in 1968; as well as his parents: Adolf and Martha Fitz and four of his siblings: Erwin, William, Hultreich "Rudy" and Berthold Fitz.

A viewing will be at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, at Oakridge Community Church, 766 Oakridge Road, St. Joseph, followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. with interment in Riverview Cemetery. A luncheon celebrating his life will follow at the church. Memorial contributions for Hermann are requested for Meals on Wheels Southwest Michigan and Oakridge Community Church. Those wishing to share a memory of Hermann online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.