Mildred Frieda Fritz

Mildred Frieda Fritz, 106, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester. She was born on October 18, 1919, at the family home in Honey Creek Township, Delaware County, the daughter of John and Emma (Sundermeyer) Fischer.

Mildred was raised and educated in rural Greeley. She graduated at the age of 17 in 1937 from Greeley High School as the valedictorian. She then started nurses training at Finley Hospital in Dubuque and concluded her training at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. Mildred was at the top of her class at both schools. From there she enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a nurse. She served her country honorably for 3 years during World War II.

During her time of service to our country, she married Joseph Fritz on September 2, 1943 in Salt Lake City, Utah. They later divorced and he passed away in January 1973. One daughter was born to this union.

Mildred came back to Iowa working at Willard Hospital and Dr. Clark's Office. Her final years of nursing were spent working at Delaware County Hospital for 23 years and then the Good Neighbor Home where she retired in 1988. After retirement she continued to take care of family and friends.

Mildred participated in the Honor Flight in 2017 at the age of 98 and received her Quilt of Valor when she turned 100. She loved to travel, crochet, was an Iowa Hawkeye Basketball fan, and enjoyed spending time with her family.

Survivors include her daughter, Jeanette Wickman of Dundee; five grandchildren, Kimberly Murray of Manchester, Robert Wickman of Manchester, Russell Wickman of Strawberry Point, Daniel (Jennifer) Wickman of Dundee, and David (Ashley) Wickman of Lamont; 14 great-grandchildren and one on the way; and five great-great grandchildren.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Viola (Carl) Calonder and Dorothy (Erwin) Heiserman; brother, Harry Fischer; grandson, Mark Anthony Wickman in infancy; son-in-law, Donald Wickman; and grandson-in-law, Robert Murray.