Rex Alan Fritz
January 03, 1949 - June 03, 2014
Obituary
Fritz, Rex Alan
Madison/Cross Plains-Rex Alan Fritz, age 65, passed away unexpectedly, at his home in Cross Plains, Wis., on Tuesday, June 3, 2014. Rex was born on Jan. 3, 1949 to Marvin and Jeanette (Morrell) Fritz, in Madison, and grew up on Lake Monona. He spent his youth playing on the Madison lakes and having many adventures. He graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1967 and married his high school sweetheart, Jayne Durnford, on May 13, 1972. Rex completed his apprenticeship and then began a lifelong career as an electrician and member of IBEW Local No. 159, spending the last eight years at UW Hospital and Clinics. He retired this past January and was looking forward to doing the things he loved; reading, hiking, biking, fishing, boating, golfing, skiing and throwing the ball for his beloved dog, Lokee. Rex’s real passion was playing hockey. He played in recreational leagues his entire life and it was one of his favorite weekly activities. Rex’s greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Jayne (Durnford); daughters, Stacey (Randy) Malek and Shannon (Luke) Batzko; grandson, Fletcher Batzko; siblings, Bruce (Celeste Woodruff) Fritz, Denise (Mike) Butler, Roy (Diane) Fritz and Nancy (Larry) Clemens; father-in-law, George “Dutch” (Lylas) Durnford; brothers-in-law, Roger (Michelle) Durnford and Jacque (Karen) Durnford; and many nieces and nephews. Rex was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Jeanette (Morrell) Fritz; and mother-in-law, Carolyn (LeMoine) Durnford. A Celebration of Life will be held at LAKE EDGE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 4200 Buckeye Road, Madison, at 6 p.m., on Tuesday, June 17, 2014. Visitation will be held at the church from 4 p.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday, with fellowship to follow. Rex was kind to everyone he met and will be remembered as a hard-working and generous man. It’s hard to express in words what an enormously special and generous soul he was. Sharing his time and talents with others brought him joy. He will be missed beyond measure by all who were blessed enough to know him. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
Events
Visitation
Tue Jun 17, 2014 @ 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM CDT
Lake Edge United Church of Christ (Madison) • 4200 Buckeye Road, Madison, WI 53716
Celebration of Life
Tue Jun 17, 2014 @ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Lake Edge United Church of Christ (Madison) • 4200 Buckeye Road, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Rex have been shared yet.
Memories
MM
Matthew Molnar
Other •
To Rex and his family. I am glad to have meet, and worked with him at the UW Hospital.
He had a great understanding of life's up's and downs.
He was always a pleasure to work with.
May he rest in peace.
Matt M
SF
Sandra Finkel
Other •
Rex was a warm and generous person who would do anything to help anyone. It was very clear he loved his family dearly. We hope the wonderful memories of the fun times you shared over the years will help to lessen your loss. He will be missed! Love to you all. Jack & Sandy Finkel
SH
Sharon Eicher Helt
Other •
Hi Jayne, I'm not sure if you remember me. We used to work together at the DNR when we were on the 13th floor. I'm so sorry for your loss and know that you and your family are in my prayers during this time. Sharon Eicher Helt
SB
Stefanie Brouwer
Other •
Dear Jayne, Shannon, Stacey and Family - We are so sorry to learn of your loss. We both saw Rex in the past few months and he talked about all of you, the good times you were having, and his plan to get into cross-country skiing. We remember him as a kind and gentle man, always ready to help others. He will be greatly missed. You are all in our prayers.
Stefanie and Onno Brouwer
JB
Janice Wagner Bellman
Other •
Jayne and Family-Our deepest condolences.
Janice and John Bellman
MP
Marguerite Pedracine
Other •
Dear Ritz Family. We are sorry to hear of your loss. My Dad Leroy (Bud) Pedracine built Rex's parents house on Belle Isle. Dad is approaching his 90th birthday and in ill health. We are sorry that we cannot attend the services. Bud and Marguerite Pedracine (Steve, son).