David L. Fritz, Sr.'s Obituary
David L. Fritz, Sr., age 82, of Grand Haven passed away Thursday, August 26, 2010, at Spectrum Butterworth Hospice in Grand Rapids. He was born November 9, 1927, in Grand Haven to William and Marie (Albers) Fritz, and he married Joyce Elaine VerBerkmoes on May 26, 1948, in Grand Haven. She preceded him in death on July 21, 2010.
David attended St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Grand Haven. He was employed by Bastian-Blessing Corp., Construction Aggregates Corp., and the Grand Haven Public Schools. Active all of his life, David was a commercial fisherman with Fritz Brothers, Gene Hill, VerDuins, and the Dornbos Brothers. He was active in scouting, where he was a scout leader for many years, an Order of the Arrow member, and a Scoutmaster. He served as a little league coach, board member, and President of the Tri-Cities Kids League. He also worked for the Grand Haven Recreation Dept., maintaining the fields and building the winter ice rinks. David organized many PTA events for the Central-Elliot PTA and was instrumental in establishing the Elliot Street playground. He touched the lives of many young people in his 82 years and was always ready to help them achieve their potential.
He is lovingly remembered by his 2 daughters, Cynthia (James Moreno) Fritz of Battle Creek and Teresa (Kevin) Swaitowski of Kalamazoo; 3 sons: William R. (Pat) Fritz of Carsonville, MI, Michael (Jan) Fritz and David L. (Pam) Fritz Jr., both of Grand Haven; 8 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; and a brother Charles (Barb) Fritz of Farmington, MI; He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce, his son, Rodney, and a sister Betty Lutke.
The service for David will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 31, 2010, at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Grand Haven with Rev. Larry Dannemiller officiating. Friends may meet the family 7-9 p.m. Monday, August 30, at the funeral home in Grand Haven. Interment will be in Lake Forest Cemetery. Memorial contributions to Hospice of Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids or the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation Lighthouse Fund in memory of David L. Fritz, Sr. are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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