Fritz Paul Richter, age 70, passed away peacefully at home on January 30, 2025, after waging a valiant battle against pancreatic cancer for more than eight months.

Fritz was born on June 22, 1954, the youngest of four children of N. Sayles and Josephine F. Richter. At twelve years of age he showed early promise as a successful salesman when he began delivery of the Traverse City Record-Eagle and the Detroit Free Press; Fritz earned "Rookie of the Year" award, followed by several sponsored trips to other Midwest cities.

During his high school years Fritz had become an active golfer and skier, also serving on the National Ski Patrol. He had a fine singing voice and was a member of the Junior High School Choir, earning a role in their performances of Gilbert & Sullivan's operetta, "Patience". Following graduation from Traverse City Central High School with the class of 1972, Fritz attended Northwestern Michigan College for two years before earning a Bachelor's degree in Packaging from Michigan State University in 1977.

In 1980 Fritz married his beautiful high school classmate, Sharon Horton. During their forty-five years of devoted marriage, he continued to refer to Sharon as "my bride". Fritz and Sharon began their life together living in Hermosa Beach, CA, moving next to Buffalo, NY; after a few years away from Michigan, they established their almost forever home in Okemos, a community adjacent to Fritz's beloved MSU in East Lansing; they loved gathering for tail-gate parties before football games for 38 years. Many lasting friendships were forged during his undergraduate years and his long residence in Okemos. He built many strong relationships that endured throughout his life with neighbors and golf partners .

Fritz and Sharon raised their two devoted, multi-talented sons, Nathan and Dylan, in Okemos. He was dedicated to raising their sons with solid values of hard work, no complaining, loyalty to friends and family, all the while showing unconditional love. He volunteered countless hours to coaching baseball, football, and wrestling.

Fritz demonstrated his dedication to these values, along with his keen interest in advancement and lifelong learning, as a highly successful sales representative with Cardinal Health for forty years. Because of these values--instilled by his own parents--combined with his intelligence, ability and love of engaging with people at any and all levels, he was chosen "Salesman of the Year", along with several other highly competitive awards during his sales career. Fritz won many incentive offerings, which enabled him and Sharon to travel to faraway locales such as Rio de Janeiro and Tahiti; they enjoyed great times on their several cruises to many Caribbean islands. Over the years, Fritz also led training classes for other company members at various levels.

Fritz and Sharon cherished their years growing up in Traverse City, and had maintained many of their close friendships from childhood. This love of home brought them to purchase a condo on E. State St. in 2009, traveling back and forth often before their retirement in 2017. In July of 2020 they moved into their beautiful new home near the TART trail and Boardman Lake, every detail featuring their own unique plans and designs. These years in their dream home enabled Fritz to pursue some of his interests such as learning Spanish through Duo Lingo and enjoying daily guitar practice during which he loved to create different chord structures. Fritz also designed and labored over their beautiful landscaping so that not only he and Sharon, but everyone passing by could enjoy their attractive property. Because he could not tolerate an idle moment, Fritz also worked part-time at Garden Goods on US-31 South.

After Fritz's passing, his family was overwhelmed by the remembrances and condolence offerings that expressed love and appreciation for who he was, describing him again and again as "one of a kind". His commitment to family and friends of all ages, from all walks of life, never faltered, along with his joyful, quick sense of humor, his kindness, caring, and "always being there" for everyone.

Fritz is survived by his wife Sharon, who was always at his side, unflinching and strong; his sons Nathan Sayles (fiancee Austin) of Lansing; Dylan Fritz (Alexa) of Paso Robles, CA; sisters Helen Altman (Fred) of Silver Spring, MD and Traverse City; Mary Scibana (Joseph) of Lyndhurst, OH; sisters-in-law Alice Horton of Traverse City; Donna Crum (Steve) of Traverse City; brother-in-law Thomas R. Webb (partner Margaret Schaal); granddaughter Ani and grandson Sayles of Paso Robles; and numerous loving nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends from around the country.

Fritz was predeceased by his parents N. Sayles and Josephine Richter; brother Richard S. (Dick) Richter; sister-in-law Audrey O'Brien Richter; parents-in-law Clifford and Jessie Horton; and sister-in-law Janice Horton.

The memorial service for Fritz will be held on Monday, June 23, at 3:00 p.m., with a visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Those wishing to memorialize Fritz may consider a donation to Northwestern Michigan College through The Fund for NMC, 1701 E. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49686, or MusiCares, 3030 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404.

GO GREEN!