Name: Celebration of Life for Paul A. Fritz
Start: 2022-04-19T19:00:00.000Z
End: 2022-04-20T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Urbanski Funeral Home - Secor Location

Paul A. Fritz

Dr. Paul A. Fritz PhD, Professor of Communication at the University of Toledo for 40 years, passed away on April 12, 2022, at Kingston of Sylvania at age 80. Paul was born June 14, 1941, in Dayton, OH, to Lola and William Fritz. When he was 5 years old, he accompanied his parents to India where they were Lutheran missionaries. The family returned to the Dayton area four years later. He attended Wooster High School before going to Capital University to become a Lutheran pastor. Paul married Margaret Foster in 1973 in Grace Lutheran Church in Fremont, Ohio where he was assistant pastor. They moved to Gibsonburg, Ohio, where he was pastor of First English Lutheran Church for 7 years until 1989. Paul obtained his Doctorate degree at Bowling Green State University and in 1981 he became a Professor in the Communication Department at the University of Toledo, where he taught until retiring in May of 2021. Paul was the chairman of the communication department for several years. He taught communication classes to medical professionals and taught Communication Principles and Practices to incoming freshmen. His love was always teaching, especially teaching first year students.

Surviving are his loving wife of 49 years, Margaret; and his beloved son, Jonathan. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Theodore; and sister, Julia.

Paul's Life Celebration will be Tuesday, April 19, 2022, from 3 pm until 8 pm at Urbanski Funeral Home a Life Celebration Home, 5055 Secor Rd., Toledo, Ohio. Funeral services will be Wednesday April 20, at 11 am in the funeral home. Interment will be private.

www.urbanskifuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Blade from Apr. 15 to Apr. 17, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Fritz

9 Entries

Sue

January 16, 2024

As a former student, this pains me to see. He had a great impact on my life, not just college. A dear friend of mine also had him as our advisor. To this day, when something positive happens in our lives, we say: " Fritz would be proud".

Mona Dokurno

Planted Trees

Carol Nelson Burns

April 19, 2022

In 1990, Paul´s leadership and commitment to student achievements was "showcased" in an event entitled "Leadership Showcase Essay Competition and Town Meeting." Students were invited to submit essays offering "ingenious and practical solutions to persistent community problems" addressing "civic issues using classic humanities perspectives." The public forum allowed five undergraduate students to showcase THEIR abilities to critically address real-world problems or deficiencies "affirm[ing] hope and confirm[ing] values nurtured by free choice." Paul´s vision empowered those students who participated to see themselves as problem-solvers in real community matters. Such initiatives change lives-including how those students saw, and will see, themselves as participants in building a better community. God Bless Paul´s vision to empower students in such an profound and enduring way!

Sharon Barnes

April 18, 2022

Much sympathy to Peggy and John; I am so sorry for your loss. I will be thinking of you and sending strength and wishes for calm and ease.
All best,
Sharon

Robert and Carol Miller

April 17, 2022

So sorry for your loss. We knew him as Pastor Fritz as he married us in 1976 in Grace Lutheran Church in Fremont Ohio. We still remember his words of wisdom he gave us during our counseling. Many prayers for your family at this difficult time.

Lisa Kniceley-Smith

April 16, 2022

Dr. Fritz was one of a kind. His passion for teaching, his students, and others in general is rare to find. I am blessed to have the privilege of having been one of his students as well as the ability to move forward in my education because of his recommendation and his inspiration. You will be missed.

Paulette D. Kilmer, a colleague in the UToledo Communication Department

April 15, 2022

Paul's students loved him because he held them to high standards and inspired them to pursue their dreams. His door was always open. Paul cared about other people and told me stories about volunteering at the Vail Meadows Therapeutic Riding Center. He loved to chat about his dog and current events as well as about research ideas, particularly in studying communication among the elderly or in medical settings. He was a great colleague and an even better friend. He saw the humor in unlikely places that always made me laugh. I will miss him, but I am very glad that our paths crossed for nearly 25 years.
I am sorry for your loss, Peggy, Jonathan, and the rest of Paul's family and friends. May your memories bring you comfort.

Lynne Carroll

April 15, 2022

I am so very sorry for your loss. I pray that God blesses you and your mother with an abundant amount of Peace during this sorrowful time.

Marie Janes

April 15, 2022

Dr. Fritz was generous with his knowledge and always helped out by being a guest speaker for my Health Information Management program. UToledo was so fortunate to have him onboard for 40 years. He remains one of the "great" alums, and we will remember him as a professor with a kind soul, always willing to help students and faculty.

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