Obituary of Ronald Duane Fritz

In addition to Lori, his wife of 56 years, he is survived by a daughter Vicki (Charlie) Kelchen, Monticello, a son Rick (Staci) Fritz, Monticello, granddaughters Jami (John) Schlarmann, Hopkinton, IA and Samantha Fritz, Monticello, great grandchildren Kinzi and Haili Schlarmann, Hopkinton, a sister-in-law Mrs. Emil Henschel, Dubuque, a brother-in-law Louis Schaller, Dubuque, many cousins, and his beloved cat Murphy. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Allen. Ron was born April 19, 1930 in Manning, IA the son of Martin and Arnetha (Flenker) Fritz. He married Lori Pauly on October 14, 1951 in Dubuque, IA. He worked in the telecommunications industry and was employed by Northwestern Bell. He retired in 1989 after 32 years of service. He served in the Iowa Army National Guard for 42 years and was awarded the Iowa Governor's Ring for 25 years of outstanding military service. Ron was a member of the Monticello Lions Club since 1960, with 47 years of perfect attendance at Lions meetings and serving as an officer in all leadership positions. He earned the President's Plaque, the Warren Coleman Award, the Iowa State Award, and the Lion of the Year Award. He was active in the Lions Club Youth Program Committee for 20 years and he attended Lions conventions on the international and the state levels as well as many district, Midwestern, and zone meetings. He was active with the youth of Monticello serving as a Little League Baseball coach for 23 years, Camp Fire Girls for 30 years, receiving the President's pin, the Cub Scouts, serving as a Master for 32 years and receiving several recruiting and achievement awards. He was awarded the Silver Beaver from the Hawkeye Council, the highest honor an adult can receive in scouting. He was an active member of the Hawkeye Fly Fishing Association and the Federation of Fly Fishing. He spent time teaching fly fishing, casting techniques, and catch and release practices to various youth groups and the Iowa Outdoor Women. He was a former member of the Monticello Conservation League, and a charter member of Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever. He was a current member of MOTH (Men Over The Hill), an organization for retired army members. He was also a member of the Anamosa Amvets. Given his many hours of volunteer activities and citizenship endeavors, he still had time to enjoy fishing, collecting and a good conversation. He loved his family very much and was always there to give a hug. He will be greatly missed. Ron died suddenly Thursday May 8, 2008 at the Jones Regional Medical Center in Anamosa, IA