Submitted by: Dan Rich
Alden J.S. Fritz
Sept. 5, 1915 - June 28, 2008
South Bend Tribune 7/1/2008
WALKERTON - Alden J.S. Fritz, 92, of Walkerton, was
welcomed into the arms of his Heavenly Father on June 28th.
Alden's beloved wife, Doris, daughter, Cheri, and son-in-law,
Emeric, were at his side as he peacefully passed. Alden was born
to the union of Mark and Ogle (Searfoss) Fritz in Pulaski
County on September 5, 1915. Alden was the first of seven
children. Alden met the love of his life, Doris Mae Goltry, at
the age of 16. Doris was 13. He would walk from the Bendix
Airport to 32nd Street in River Park just to see Doris. At the
ages of 21 and 18 they were married. Having seven children and
many hardships and many joys, they were married 71 years. Alden
worked at Sibley Foundry, Wards Baking Co. (bakers of Tip Top
bread), and several other places to care for their family. Alden
was in the U.S.M.C. and was in the C.C.C. in California. He loved
to sing and go to church. He was a member of The First Baptist
Church of North Liberty. He had a passion for fishing and golfing
most of his life. He always had a puzzle book or deck of cards in
his hands. He loved his office (his chair with his prized
possessions at his side), along with his candy, Coca Cola and
coffee.
Survivors include his beloved Doris; two
daughters, Dolores (Robert) Freel of South Bend and Cheri
(Emeric) Szalay of Walkerton; a son, Robert Fritz of
Bristol; a daughter-in-law, Betty Fritz of South Bend; two
sisters, Doris Hughes of Mishawaka and Elaine (Gene) Watkins
of Plymouth; a brother, Roland (Donna) Fritz of Texas; 13
grandchildren and 24 great-great-grandchildren; and
sisters-in-law, Alyce Goltry of California and Shirley
Goltry of Florida. Also surviving are many, many nieces and
nephews, too many friends to even number, his loving pastor,
Wayne Joyner, and church family. Alden was known by Adam Joyner
as Mr. Al Buddy. Alden was preceded in death by his
parents, Mark and Ogle Fritz; two daughters, Donna Jean Fritz and
Gerrlyn (Jerri) Barrier; three sons, Alden E. Fritz, John
Fritz and Henry (Ray) Barrier; two brothers, Arden (Bud)
Fritz and Glenn Hughes; two sisters, Verna (Richard) Rininger
and Irma (Pete) Cockrell; along with three
brothers-in-law, Frank, Richard and Deo Goltry.
Memorial services will be held at 6:30 p.m. today in First Baptist Church, 407 West Elm Street, North Liberty, IN 46554, with Rev. Wayne Joyner officiating. Palmer Funeral Homes are helping the family with arrangements. There is no way to capture 92 years into a short note, but Alden did touch the lives of so many and he never knew a stranger. He always offered out his hands for a firm shake of friendship. Alden will be truly missed by so many. A special thank you to Alden's friends and family, Dr. Cox, Dr. Buck, their staff, the staff at Miller's Merry Manor, and a very special thanks to Kathy at Miller's. This is just the beginning! In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made to Alden's beloved church, First Baptist Church of North Liberty.