David Fritz
(1935 - 2019)
Obituary
David Paul Fritz, also known as "Dave"
or "Pete," 84, of Topeka, passed away Feb. 23, 2019. Dave
dearly loved his wife, Rose, of 64 years and his family and friends.
Rose survives him.
Dave grew up in Adams, Nebraska, where
he was known as Pete. He was the son of Lawrence Wesley and Elsie
Marie (Rapp) Fritz, graduated from Adams High School and received his
Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of
Nebraska.
Dave married Rose Gingery on May 26,
1955, in Adams, Nebraska. In 1963, Dave and Rose moved with their two
daughters, Kay and Ann, to Newton so that Dave could begin his career
with Hesston Corporation, which later became Hay & Forage
Industries. While in Newton, they had their third child, David.
Dave was active in the Newton community
and in his church, Salem United Methodist, teaching Sunday School for
many years. Dave retired from his position as Director of Engineering
at Hay & Forage Industries in 1999, after 36 years of service. In
2005, Dave and Rose moved to Topeka, where they joined Trinity
Presbyterian Church. Throughout his life, Dave was active in his
Christian faith.
Dave enjoyed spending time at "the
farm," hunting, fishing, Nebraska football, Kansas basketball,
Yankees baseball, beating his friends at handball, ping-pong and
cards, but above all spending time with family and friends. He will
be remembered by his children and grandchildren as a warm and caring
father and grandfather, always present, supportive, loving and able
to offer wise counsel. Until the time of his death, he remained the
primary caregiver to Rose, his wife.
In addition to Dave's wife Rose, other
survivors include three children, Kay Maurine (Randall) Graham-Scott
of Topeka, Dr. David Patrick (Jamie) Fritz of Topeka and Ann Louise
(Chris) Kidd, Dallas. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, whom
he dearly loved: Charlie (Suzy) Graham, Mitch Graham, Amy (Toby)
Hayse, Sam Kidd, Elizabeth Kidd, Anna Rose Fritz, Joe Fritz, Isabelle
Fritz and Kate Fritz; great-grandchild, Sterling Thomsen; a brother,
Lawrence "Bud" Fritz of North Hollywood, California; and
two sisters, Helen (Elmer) Hietbrink of Adams, Nebraska, and Pat
(Don) Grieser of Lincoln, Nebraska.
He was preceded in death by his
parents; and granddaughter, Kelsey Lauren Kidd (daughter of Ann and
Chris Kidd).
Honoring his request, cremation is
planned. A memorial ceremony will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday,
March 23, 2019, at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4746 SW 21st St.,
Topeka, KS 66604. Dove Cremations and Funerals, Southwest Chapel is
assisting the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to
The American Heart Association, 5375 SW Seventh St., Topeka, KS 66606
or The Alzheimer's Association, 3625 SW 29th St. Suite 102, Topeka,
KS 66614. To leave a special message for the family online, visit
www.DoveTopeka.com.
- 2019