Charles (Chuck) William Fritz

Charles (Chuck) William Fritz, age 90, passed away on December 14, 2015 with his family by his side. He was born on September 4, 1925, in Grand Haven, to William and Marie (Albers) Fritz. Chuck enlisted in the Army Airforce in 1943, where he served as a pilot and aircraft commander stateside, until his honorable discharge in 1945. Chuck met his future wife, the love of his life, at Western Michigan University. They moved to Detroit where he married Barbara Louise (Hart), on August 24, 1946. He finished his chemical engineering degree at the Detroit Institute of Technology. Later they resided in Farmington Hills, MI. for 30 years, then Muncie, IN. for the next 33 years and he eventually relocated to Traverse City, MI. Chuck started his career with Chrysler before settling into a long and distinguished career within the Heat Treating and Forging Industry. He held various positions with Letts Drop Forge, Commonwealth Industries and Harsco before retiring in 1990. He continued to work part-time until age 79. Being a natural born pilot, his love of flying continued into the late 1990’s. He built four remote control airplanes, one for each of his children. He was an avid golfer until 85, fisherman, bird watcher, and was at home on the ski slopes in Michigan and Colorado. He enjoyed the Detroit Tigers, Lions and especially, the U of M football games! Chuck was actively involved in the communities where he lived. He was a lifetime member of the Farmington Lodge, Huron Hunting and Fishing Club, Elks Club of Farmington and Muncie, Shriners, and was a 32 degree Mason with the Scottish Rite of Detroit. Chuck is survived by his four children, Alan, Susan, Greg, and Steven plus three grandchildren, Alicia Caldecott, Andrew Fritz, and Tristan Fritz. He was preceded in death, by his “Barbie” (2006) and his parents, David (brother) and Joyce (sister). Please share your memories and sign Chuck’s online guestbook @ www.reynoldsjonkhoff.com. A private family memorial, will take place at a later date, followed by a burial at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Battle Creek. Memorial contributions may be directed to The Gardens of Gethsemane United Methodist Church Missionary Fund of Muncie, 1201 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie, IN 47303 or Heartland Hospice of Traverse City, 4020 Copper View Suite 113, Traverse City, MI 49684. The family is being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City.

Charles (Chuck) William Fritz

September 4, 1925 - December 14, 2015