Willis H. Fritz, age 91 of Clintonville passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at Monarch Meadows Assisted Living, New London.

Willis was born on August 2, 1931, to George and Sadie (Jolitz) Fritz, Sr. in Tilleda, Wisconsin and grew up in Caroline. He was united in marriage on September 10, 1960, to Rose Peeters at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bear Creek. Willis was employed at Torborg’s Lumber as a carpenter for many years.

Willis was a longtime member of St. Rose Catholic Church, Clintonville, where he was an usher, served on various committees, and was involved in the construction of the new church. In his younger years, he played baseball for the Caroline Cougars and was inducted into their hall of fame. He enjoyed spending Sunday afternoons watching a baseball game whether it be the Clintonville A’s or the Caroline Cougars. He was a coach for little league and babe ruth baseball; and was always willing to help kids develop their skills. Willis enjoyed following high school sports and was a strong supporter of his kids’ and grandkids’ athletics and other adventures. He also liked spending time outdoors making firewood, tending to his garden and yard, hunting when he was younger, fishing on nearby lakes, and spending time with family at Pelican Lake.

Survivors include his three children: Steven Fritz, Susan (Brian) Garrow, and Daniel (Joy) Fritz. His grandchildren: Kyle (Erin Christopherson) Fritz, Trisha Fritz, Ethan (Meredith) Fritz, Stuart (Tierney) Fritz, Heidi (Travis Selle) Garrow, and Scott Garrow. His great grandchildren: Kaden, Lennon, Willow, Aiden, Archie, Ashton, Sawyer, Jack, and Ivy. He is further survived by his brother, Duane; sisters-in-law, Phyliss Goltz and Janet Fritz; his “grand dog”, Bernie; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Willis was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Rose on Dec. 20, 2009; siblings, George (Jean) Jr., Floyd, Ardellis (John) Draeger, and Douglas; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Joan Fritz, Anthony Peeters, Joseph (Helen) Peeters, Agnes (Herb) Hooyman, Martin Peeters, Elizabeth (James) Hansen, Dorothy (James) Mackowiak, and Helen (John) Mackowiak.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 31st at 11:30 AM at St. Rose Catholic Church, Clintonville. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 9:30 AM until time of service at the church. Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville, is assisting with arrangements. Please go to www.beil-didier to leave a condolence or send a card to the family.

Our family would like to thank Joanne, Debbie and Linda for helping us take care of dad at home and the wonderful staff at Monarch Meadows.