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Stephanie Sedlacek
April 1, 2011
I Love You Dad. You will always be in my heart.
Rich n Steph
March 11, 2011
Eugene(Gene) Fritz
Nov 20,1928 – Mar 1, 2011
I've known Gene for over 30 years, and there are so many things I didn't know about him. Even so, I believe, I can tell you what kind of man he was.
I've watched and listened over the last few days and what I've learned is how each of us saw him in our own way. He means something a little different to all of us. To some he was a Friend, to some a Father, to some a Grandfather and even a Great Grandfather, to Gayle a loving Husband.
Our perspective defines the man we knew and our feelings of loss. And yet together, all of us share common stories, stories that, even though they may be different in context or time, remain true to who he was.
Gene was a man of determination, so much so that it was almost inconceivable that he could fail. That made his passing more difficult to accept. Stephanie told me it was difficult to accept, because he had beaten the odds before and there was little doubt in her mind he would do it again.
I've heard stories of how Gene played football when he was young and he certainly loved the sport. Sports in general are about winning and achieving. Not at all cost, but by the rules, with honesty, fairness and integrity. I think that was Genes approach to life. I don't ever recall him not finishing anything he set out to do, nor do I ever remember him ever giving less than 110%. He worked for Scott Paper for years and his team approach and determination made him successful.
When asked what was important to Gene, the answers vary a little. Work, Golf, Football, Faith, and Family. Not necessarily in that order, in fact these aren't things you can put in order because I know that Faith and Family were always first, and Work, and Golf were simply the means to serve Faith and Family.
I understand he could be a demanding boss, but what coach doesn't ask for more from his team.
He liked to stir the pot from time to time and it took me years to figure out why, It was probably just me that took so long to figure it out. He knew that if you stirred the pot the cream would always rise to the top. His competitive nature challenged you to get that extra yardage and that extra field goal.
Gene was driven, but that didn't mean he wasn't compassionate.
It could be said he was a proud man, but not in a sinful way because I doubt anyone could be prouder than he was of his Girls, and Family.
He had come from a simple family and was always grateful for the gifts God had given him.
It's inconceivable to me that we can take a few minutes out of a day and summarize what Gene has meant to us all. That we can, in this time of loss, remember him for all that he has been.
If I had never know Gene at all it would Not be difficult to ascertain what kind of man he was. I would only need to look at his family. His Daughter's are a credit to both Gene and Gayle, they are people of honesty, integrity, and compassion. Not to mention determination.
We come into this world with nothing and we leave with the same. It is the mark we leave and those we touch that defines us. Gene has been on more than one occasion defined as a people person and he will be sorely missed. But he is not gone from our lives, his influence and legacy reaches far into the future and we will all be a better person for having known him. This is not goodbye but safe journey, for I have no doubt we will meet again.
Lord,
We ask that you give understanding and comfort in these days ahead, for it it difficult for us to see the future clearly without Gene.
We ask that you provide us with your support and guidance as we learn to honor his memory and remain true to the values he held so dearly.
We know that Gene has traveled the road you set before him and has come to rest in your loving arms.
Guide us as we travel our own path so that we might someday rest as he does now.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Eileen Heitman
March 4, 2011
Gayle and Robin. It was an honor to care for your dad. It is obvious how much he was loved. God bless you all, Eileen RN
Sheri Hruby
March 4, 2011
You are in peace now Grandpa...no more pain or discomfort. We will always hold your memories in our hearts. To Brandon, my husband, I will always be there standing next to you expecially in this time of sorrow. I am sorry your Grandfather had to go, but he is never very far away. He will always be watching over you just as he did before. He just has better veiw.
Pam Verde
March 3, 2011
Gayle, Stephanie, Andrea and Robin, Uncle Gene will be greatly missed. I'm left with many happy memories of your visits to Luverne over the years. My deepest sympathy. Love, Pam and Rachel
Pat Casey
March 3, 2011
Stephanie and Robin, my sincere condolences to you and your family. You are in my prayers. God bless you.
March 3, 2011
To Andrea and Families: You each have my sympathies and prayers.John 14:31 Arise, let us go from here.
Your friend in Christ, Pat Bockewitz
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