Eugene Edward Fritz

Eugene Edward Fritz, 81, of Brenham passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at Gazebo Terrace Convalescent Center.

Eugene was born September 10, 1930 to Arthur and Ida Nitche Fritz in Brenham, Texas. He was a lifelong member of Salem Lutheran Church and was baptized on September 28, 1930, by Pastor William Utesch. Eugene was confirmed on April 1, 1945, by Pastor A. J. Mohr. He served as Sunday School Superintendent for over 30 years, served on the church council, the stewardship committee, and as chairman of the 125th anniversary of the church.

Eugene met Ruth Carol Blome through a blind date set up by her cousin in May 1951. They became engaged in December of that year, and he married the love of his life on October 12, 1952, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Sandy Hill with Pastor A. M. Fiedler officiating. They enjoyed 59 years of loving devotion and raised three wonderful sons together.

He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean conflict from 1951-1953. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal with 2 bronze stars, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Eugene attended Salem School and graduated from Blinn College in 1957. He worked for the Washington County Road and Bridge Department before starting his career at Brenham Wholesale Grocery Company in 1958. He retired in 1995 and spent many happy years enjoying his family, tending his cattle and garden, and making world-class barbequed chicken.

A man of strong conviction and great faith, Eugene was a devoted husband and father who was dearly loved by his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered by all who knew him for his kindness, honesty, integrity, and gentle spirit.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law Edwin and Lydia Blome, brother Lee Roy, sister Mary Lee and sister-in-law Evelyn Faye Blome.

He is survived by his loving wife Ruth; sons Duane and wife Sherry, Dale and wife Lisa, and James and wife Nancy; seven grandchildren Landon Fritz, Justin Fritz, Hunter Fritz, Lauren Allison and husband Anthony, Gregory Fritz, Amanda Threatt and husband Rex, Kayla Fritz; two step-grandchildren Nathan Vyskocil and David Vyskocil and wife Brandy; two great-grandchildren Madison and Harrison Threatt and one step-great-granddaughter Mya Vyskocil; sisters-in-law Annie Marie Fritz, and Dorothy Thompson and husband Richard, and by numerous nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Friday, May 25 2012 at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 26, 2012 at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brenham with Rev. Charles Parnell officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers are grandsons Landon, Justin, Gregory, and Hunter Fritz, grandsons-in-law Anthony Allison and Rex Threatt. Honorary pallbearers are his granddaughters Lauren Allison, Amanda Threatt and Kayla Fritz and god-daughters Brenda Fritz Bridges, Carol Ann Lauter Winkler, and Cindy Witt Fenno.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be offered to Salem Lutheran Church of Brenham.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham. 979.836.3611 Leave tributes online at www.brenhammemorialchapel.com