Paul David Fritz

The family of Paul D. Fritz of Winter, WI, is deeply saddened to share the news of his sudden passing on Monday, April 10, 2023, at the age of 78 years. He passed peacefully in his sleep at home.
Paul will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Mary E. Fritz; his children, Lori of Kansas City, Robert "Bob" (Katy) of Chico, CA, and Kurt (Brenda) of Idaho Falls, ID; grandchildren, Austin, Allie, Chase, Will, Brady, Braeden, Preston, and Bodee; extended family and many dear friends and colleagues.
Paul was born in Chicago and lived there for most of his youth. He later moved to Loretta, WI, and attended Winter High School where he graduated in 1961 at the age of 16. He then attended Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI. In 1965 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering when he was only 20 years old. He was an active member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity while at MTU and was elected president during his senior year. Both Michigan Tech and Phi Tau were very much a source of pride throughout his life.
After graduating from Michigan Tech, Paul married the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Barnes, in Houghton, MI, then moved to Chicago so he could start his first job at UOP. Paul had an incredibly rewarding career in the oil industry over a span of 45 years. He worked as a chemical engineer, chief process engineer, refinery manager at five different oil refineries, and ultimately, became Vice President of Refining at two major oil companies, Pennzoil and Sinclair. One professional experience that he was particularly proud of was leading the successful start-up of a new technology at the refineries that changed the way high octane gasoline was made.
Paul's career in oil refining brought opportunities to travel all over the world. Paul and Mary also enjoyed living in many different states over the years, including Illinois, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah, Louisiana, and Wyoming. But returned to Winter to retire at the lake he loved so much as a child and throughout his life.
Paul was passionate about many things in his life hunting, golfing, fishing, coaching and refereeing youth sports, and the Green Bay Packers, just to name a few. But mostly, he just enjoyed time spent with his family and friends. He touched so many lives in so many wonderful ways. He always made time for anyone that needed assistance in any way and loved to chat with everyone. He had the "gift of gab" that we all eventually learned to truly admire.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy O. Manetz and William Fritz; stepfather and mentor, Albert W. Johansen; and his cherished brother, Robert Owen Fritz.
A Celebration of Life will be held this summer with details to be announced at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to the Perch Lake Fish Association (PLFA). You may either contribute at the PLFA summer meeting, if you are a member, or contribute here at this LINK.
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