Phillip John Fritz

Phillip J. Fritz was born on March 27, 1956 to Francis and Mildred (Beckman) Fritz in Neligh, NE. He was the 2nd of 4 children. In 1963, he moved to the Atkinson/Stuart area when Francis and Mildred purchased the family ranch. He graduated from West Holt High School in 1974. He attended college at UNL and worked in various industries in Lincoln.
While living and working in Lincoln, he met the love of his life, Linda (Wortman). They were united in marriage on June 2, 1979 in Lincoln. Four children were born to this union: Bruce, Pamela, Matthew, and Aaron.
Phil returned to the Atkinson/Stuart area to work on the family ranch. Linda reluctantly followed him back, but quickly fell in love with the country lifestyle. Their marriage was on rocky ground for the first several years as Phil had to teach Linda how to properly park the tractor and the fine art of working cattle. They moved into the main house on the ranch in 1985, after Francis and Mildred moved into Atkinson, and he resided there until his death.
Phil was a proud and active member of the Knights of Columbus and obtained his 4th degree. Early in his married life, he was involved in the Atkinson and Nebraska Jaycees. He was dedicated to St. Joseph's parish and helped on many of the renovations at the church and school throughout the years. He loved spending time with his grandkids, walleye fishing, playing cards, bowling, and upland game hunting.
Phil fought a hard and long battle against cancer and systemic lupus. Thankfully, he was able to attend the wedding of his son Aaron and Emily (Oetken) on July 6, 2024, which was his final goal. Phil passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, July 7, 2024 in Le Mars, IA.
He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law Edward Wortman. He is survived by his wife Linda, children Bruce Fritz of Lincoln, NE; Pamela Pongratz and children Amanda, Logan, and Miranda of Cody, NE; Matthew (Kaitlin) Fritz and children Colton, Emily, and Kailey of Sioux Falls, SD; and Aaron (Emily) Fritz of Elk Point, SD; brother Marvin (Dee) Fritz of O'Neill, NE; sister Helen (Scott) Plugge of Bartlett, NE; and brother Mike (Julie) Fritz of Atkinson, NE; along with mother-in-law Emily Wortman, and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, Phil's final request was to be generous and donate to the Team Jack Foundation, Beginnings Pregnancy Resource Center, St. Joesph's School, or Wounded Warrior Project.