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.