Matthew Fritz

Matthew Fritz passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 17, 2016 after a short illness. Matthew was born on February 28, 1929 to Frank and Celestine (Klontz) Fritz on the family farm near Cummings, North Dakota. He grew up near Thompson, ND and attended St. Josephs School in St. Benedict, ND, and graduated from St. James High School in Grand Forks, ND in 1947. After high school, he become an apprentice electrician for Junge Electric in West Fargo and then to Central Electric in Fargo. Matthew was very proud for having served his country as a member of the United States Air Force from December 1950 to December 1954, spending two years in Thule, Greenland; leaving as a staff sergeant. After his service, he began working as an electrician for Hatfield Electric in Silver Bay, Minnesota. In 1960, Matthew and his brothers, Raymond, Sylvester, and Larry formed Fritz Electric in Fargo. The business thrived for many years through his retirement in 1997. Prior to his retirement, Matthew served as the Governor of the regional chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) for two years. Matthew met the love of his life Dolores Trottier from Horace, ND, and they were united in marriage at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Wild Rice, ND on June 22, 1957. Matthews’ greatest enjoyment and gifts was the time he shared with his family. His children and grandchildren were the joy of his days. He was an excellent cook and loved cooking for the entire family. Matthew and Dolores were founding members of The Church of The Nativity in Fargo where Matthew was active in the parish council for several years. In addition, he has been a member of the Diocese of Fargo Building Committee for many years. Matthew was a sweet, gentle man who was more concerned about others than himself. He was a man of strong Christian faith that found ways to give back to his community; for the past many years, he has rebuilt bikes as part of the American Legion Bike Shop that are returned to those in need after refurbishing. Matthew enjoyed working on his yard and home with Dolores. Matthew loved attending sporting events to watch his grandsons play baseball, soccer, basketball and football. He was a fixture at many Shanley, Fargo Post #2 and Bombers baseball games, at his perch above first base. Matthew is survived by his daughter, Patty Fritz; son, Jason Fritz; son, Steve Fritz and his wife Diane along with their children; Andrew Fritz, Fargo; Jacob Fritz, Fargo; Lucas Fritz and wife Renae Witta, Richfield, MN; He is survived by his sister, Madelyn Stringer, Fargo; brothers: Bud (Lola) Fritz, Fargo; Larry (Judy) Fritz, Fargo; brother-in-law, Ted Warren, Fargo; sisters-in-law: Carol Trottier, Fargo; Marilyn (Deni) Hagge, Springfield, OH; Sharon Fritz, Fargo; Jean Trottier, TX; Mae Trottier, Bismarck, ND; brothers-in-law: Raymond (Carol Lee) Trottier, AZ; Dennis (Cloy) Trottier, KY; David (Karen) Trottier, AZ; Richard (Linda)Trottier, Fargo; Ronald (Sherri) Trottier, Park Rapids, MN; along with many special nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dolores; his mother and father; brothers: Hank (Geneva); Raymond (Naomi); and John; sisters: Marie (Truman) Thompson; Delores (Red) Skaarer; Barbara (Bud) Berglund; Dorothy (Bud) Stowe; Ann (Doc) Candor; and Eileen Warren; brothers-in-law: Leroy Trottier and Gerald Trottier. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Fargo American Legion “Bicycle Program” at PO Box 2525, Fargo, ND 58102. There will be a Prayer Service at Nativity Catholic Church at 7:00 p.m. Thursday with visitation in the church from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The funeral will be at Nativity Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m., Friday with visitation one hour prior to the funeral. Interment will be at Holy Cross South Cemetery.