Francis Fritz

Memorial services for Mr. Francis (Fran) Lester Fritz, age 87, of Cookeville, will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, December 21 at Cookeville First United Methodist Church with Dr. Martin Thielen and Rev. Rob Wheeler officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m until service time at the church. Mr. Fritz passed away suddenly Sunday, December 17, 2017 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. He was born November 9, 1930 in Monroe, WI to the late Lester Harold and Margaret Gruber Fritz. Fran graduated from High School in Belleville, WI in 1948. He enrolled at Stout State University and received both bachelor and masters degrees in Industrial Education in 1955. He postponed his education to serve in the US Army during the Korean Conflict from 1951-1953. Fran's professional career included serving as an industrial arts teacher at Lundahl Middle School and later principal at several elementary schools in the Crystal Lake area until his retirement in 1985. He was a member of Crystal Lake First United Methodist and, after moving to Tennessee, at Cookeville First United Methodist Church. Fran was passionate about serving. His motto of Faith was "Here I am Lord, Send Me". Some of the groups on which he served throughout his life were multiple church committees, eight years with Habitat for Humanity, mission trips with NOMADS from 1995-2006, and most recently an active member of the Dipsy Doodle gang where he was instrumental in helping build over 60 ramps for the handicap and raising financial support for the Power of Nutrition Program through Alice Lloyd College. Always on the go, Fran was never known to let life drift by. He could often be found painting, golfing, or cheering on his favorite teams. Fixin' Fritz was one of his many nicknames for painting, carpentry, and other various handyman work. Golf became his game during the first years of his retirement and he supported TTU athletics especially enjoying attending football and basketball games. Camping was Fran and his wife Jan's perfect way to escape. From the very beginning of their life together they could be found with their kids in a tent set up on the shores of Lake Superior to the gulf shores of Alabama. They eventually graduated to a camper and enjoyed pulling it through 48 of the 50 states including extended trips from Alaska to Nova Scotia and Arizona to Florida. He dearly loved his family and his friends, most especially his beloved wife. He was generous with his time and talents and was known for his kindness, caring, and quick wit. He will be greatly missed. His last statement to us all would be, "What have you done recently to show Christ's love to someone who can never repay you"! He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janet (Jan) Benedict Fritz, who he married July 2, 1955 in Darlington, WI; two sons and daughters-in-law, Charles and Mary Fritz of Plover, WI, Paul and Deborah Fritz of Stockton, IL; daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Tim Mengher of Crystal Lake,WI; sister-in-law, Mary Clark Fritz of Belleville, WI; and daughter-in-law, Mandy Fritz Schultz (husband, Tim) of Sedalia, MO; twelve grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Gary Fritz; and son, William Fritz. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cookeville First United Methodist Church, 165 East Broad St. Cookeville, TN 38501 or Alice Lloyd College - Power of Nutrition Attn: Office of Development, 100 Purpose Rd, Pippa Passes, KY 41844. Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.