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Fritz Sprandel Obituary
Born on July 11, 1944, in Bethlehem, PA, Fritz later moved to Allentown, where he attended William Allen High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1962, stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany.
An adventurer at heart, Fritz's life was defined by bold exploits. He dreamed up adventures that would make him a legend. In 1978, he completed his historic coast-to-coast snowmobile journey, a feat that earned him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. In that same year, he achieved another record-setting milestone, paddling his canoe coast-to-coast from Astoria, Oregon, to New York City.
His most famous adventure, in 1970, he attempted a canoe trip on dare, paddling from New York to California, via the Panama Canal. The trip took an unexpected turn when he drifted off course and was arrested by Castro's soldiers in Cuba, and incarcerated for 45 days while his release was negotiated. His exploits were featured in "Sports Illustrated", "Argosy" magazines and earned him a guest spot on "To Tell the Truth".
After stepping away from the public eye in 1978, Fritz worked as a brand representative for Keller Marine and KMS Manufacturing in Kittanning, PA.
Later, he returned to the Lehigh Valley, where he worked for Corporate Limousine and formed a close friendship with owner Doug Kemmerer. Together, they chronicled his life's adventures in three books: Adventure on a Dare, Finding Fritz: The Heart of an Adventurer, and Snowmobiling Across America: A Fritz Sprandel Adventure, which was released two days before his passing.
Fritz is survived by his son, Jeffrey Mayes and his wife, Patricia, grandsons, Liam and James, and his brothers Tim and Jesse, his companion of many years, Brenda Reed, as well as many close and dear friends.
Fritz was a generous soul whose mission in life was to inspire others, always offering help wherever he could. His adventurous spirit, boundless generosity, and larger-than-life stories will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of Fritz's life will be held on Sat., Feb. 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM in Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., 250 Main St., Emmaus. Visitation 10:00 to 11:00 AM in the funeral home.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Fritz T. Sprandel, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Fritz Sprandel
Barbara Fraust
February 22, 2025
Fritz was a friend of my late ex-husband and a lightning bolt of action. When we married in 1971, Fritz had just finished his Cuban Adventure and drove the Bridal car in my wedding. It was a Model T from the early 1900's belonging to a friend... He wore full livery he delivered me in style while one of my neighbors worried about why I did not have a nicer car! It was an unforgettable experience and we had a great time!. My sympathies to his family as a bright spirit is so hard to lose.
Karl Sweigert
February 22, 2025
In the very early 1960s, Fritz Sprandel was my first Camp Miller summer camp counselor when I was 7 years old. Camp Miller was formerly located at Shawnee on Delaware, PA. He was a great guy!
Bill Fischel, Hanover NH
February 19, 2025
Fritz and I were close friends in elementary school when we lived in Wydnor, outside of Bethlehem. We both loved an adventure, but Fritz was always more daring than me. He would climb the tallest tree to the very top, ride on the front of my bike (we both ended up bloodied on the asphalt and tended by his mom), or find our way up a creek in search of salamanders. We lost touch when the Sprandels moved to another school district, but he visited me soon after he got out of the Army and regaled me with tales of his service in Germany. I doubt he will rest in peace--too much fun to be had roving the afterlife.
Virginia and Glen Brotzman
February 19, 2025
So blessed and honored to have gotten to know him even for the short time we had.
Family members were excited to know more of his adventurers and to find out we lived so close.
He will be truly missed!
Virginia and Glen Brotzman
February 19, 2025
Never knew he lived up the road from me . He stopped by and asked my husband if he knew why our rod was going to be closed and told him he wrote a book and I just had to meet him . He gave me his book adventures on a dare and autographed it . It was so fascinating I couldn´t wait to know more and he let me read his book getting to know Fritz Sprandel . I was able to give him his book back only within a week of hearing about his death. He said I have something else for you and I couldn´t wait to see the documentary movie of his life and to read his net story that´s about his snowmobile trip . My husband and I were shocked to hear about his passing on the news. This is a sad time and feel lost of someone who people could get to know so much from. I will definitely miss Fritz and was looking forward to getting to know more of our newly found friend that would do only kindness.
Peggy
February 19, 2025
My dear Fritz. I will miss you dearly. Connecting again after all these years. You told me that this time you wouldn't leave. But...your greatest adventure called you away. You will always and forever be in my heart. It will be hard to do without our conversations and the laughs. You're free and now you can be with those you loved who passed before you. Rest in peace. Love always
Robert J. Miklas, USN.
February 19, 2025
Fritz, you are now relieved from your post. A job well done fellow veteran. The final battle is now over and peace has been restored. America thanks you for your service to our country in the defense of freedom. The final volley has sounded and taps is about to sound ending a successful career as a nation´s defender. Farewell fellow veteran.
Ed Kelly
February 19, 2025
Prayers to Family and Friends. Many fine memories and stories will continue to be told for years to come.
God Bless,
Ed Kelly
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