Dennis Eugene Fritz

1945 - 2022

Dennis Eugene Fritz, 77, of Columbus Junction, Iowa, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Aug. 15, 2022. Dennis passed peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones. Dennis was born on Aug. 6, 1945, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Eugene (Rusty) Fritz and Esther (Smith) Fritz. A short 10 years later in 1955 Dennis and family moved to Walker, Iowa, where he met the love of his life, Jean (Bickford) Fritz. Dennis and Jean had their first date in 1961 only a week after Jean turned 15. They married on Feb. 28, 1966, celebrating their 56th year of wedded bliss this past February. Dennis and Jean built a beautiful life together with their two children, Tammy and Todd. In 1965 duty called as Dennis was drafted into the United States Army. Dennis proudly served as Specialist 4th Class in the Vietnam War. Being a veteran had a huge impact on Dennis’ life as he was very active in the American Legion and Sons of the American Legion. Dennis spent 42 years working for the Railroad. The Railroad often kept Dennis away from his beloved family. His sweet wife Jean would always remind him of her love by taking a bite out of his sandwich while packing his lunch to “remind you to think of me.� Other things that Dennis also enjoyed were the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, stock car races, Cedar Four Wheelers, spending time with his family, and being on his front porch. Dennis will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 56 years, Jean; his children, Tammy Barnes of Olds and Todd (Madison) Fritz of Eagle River, Alaska; grandchildren, Dana (Tim) Wilson of Olds, Shane (Chloe) Barnes of Washington and Ashley (Tony) Simon of Riverside; great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Paisley and Jase Wilson, Hunter and Kooper Barnes, and Avery and Dierks Philips; sister, Gloria (Fred) Baker; sister, Sandy Matheny; brother, David (Marla) Matheny; sister, Sherry Kubicek; brother, Mike Matheny; brother, John Fritz; sister-in-law, Joy Jons; sister-in-law, Jan (Darin) Tennyson; sister-in-law, Jeanie Bickford; and nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Eugene (Rusty) Fritz; mother, Esther (Smith) Sundberg; brother, Jim Fritz; brother, Jeff Matheny; brother-in-law, Billy Bickford; sister-in-law, Susan Matheny; sister-in-law, Pat Fritz; brother-in-law, Vernon Jons; father-in-law, Bill Bickford; and mother-in-law, Evalyn Bickford. Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life gathering in honor of Dennis on Saturday, Sept. 3, from 1 to 3 p.m. at American Legion Post 100 in Columbus Junction, Iowa.