James Arthur Fritsch, 78, passed away at his home on Monday, Jan. 13, 2020.
Jim was born in Dorchester on Oct. 16, 1941. Shortly after he moved to Sheyboygan with his family, his late parents George and Gertrude (nee Koerner) Fritsch, his late brother Ron (Belinda) Fritsch and three other siblings, Patricia (Backey), Janet (John Repphun), and Jeff (Kim) Fritsch. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the army and served proudly in Vietnam as a communication specialist.
Jim attended MSOE, where he received a degree in Electrical Engineering and secured a job with GE as a field engineer. During this time is when he met his wife, Tania (Sovitzky) of West Allis. They married July 25, 1970 and had two children, Peter (Penny Ewert) of Palmyra and Nadine (Matt Flayter) of Hartford. Over their 49 years of marriage, they traveled the country, camping with their children and enjoying the outdoors.
Some of Jim’s favorite past-times were his fishing trips to Canada or any nearby lake, hunting with his son and granddaughters, and woodworking. After retirement, Jim and Tania built a second home on Bobcat Lake near Minocqua, where they enjoyed being social with their friends and family. They used their handy work to travel around the country to work to restore historical sites or count wildlife. There wasn’t a task that Jim couldn’t problem solve to fix or create. His love of woodworking can be seen in their homes from picture frames, trivets, step stools for the grandkids, to living room furniture. Jim and Tania loved playing card games with the neighbors and Jim enjoyed his monthly poker games with his friends. Many times while they were up north, they could be found at the local casino making a “donation” or money for the fish fund. If he wasn’t playing at the casino, you could find him on the golf course.
Jim constantly gave of himself to his community and gave to many local charities that were in need; whether in the form of Wind Lake JC’s, the VFW in parades, schools or through his church. He was someone who could be counted on with his calm, positive and compassionate personality.
Jim will also be greatly missed by his four grandchildren, Sierra and Logan Elizabeth Fritsch, and Jocalyn and Lincoln Flayter; who loved seeing grandpa cheer them on at school and sporting activities.
A celebration of Jim’s life will take place at the Integrity Celebration Center at 2789 Browns Lake Dr. in Burlington on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. followed by a 1 p.m. memorial service with full Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Heart Association or Wounded Warrior Project in Jim’s name.
Well-wishers may visit www.integrityfunerals.net.
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