Frederick Paul Schlimgen

WAUNAKEE/MADISON-Frederick P. "Fritz" Schlimgen, age 92, of Waunakee, passed away at his home of 67 years on Saturday, June 23, 2018. He was born on Jan. 6, 1926, in Madison, the son of Englebert and Veronica (Hilgard) Schlimgen. Fritz, an eastside native, in his younger years was a seventh grade Marble Champ, an usher at the Orpheum Theater and sold shoes at Feltman & Curme (where he also wrote their jingle). After graduating from Madison East High School in 1943, Fritz enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as signalman first-class on the U.S.S. Bosque during World War II in the Pacific. He was the beach commander’s signalman at the Battle of Okinawa and at the surrender in Tokyo Bay. Upon return in 1946, he met his lifelong sweetheart, Frances Anderson, on a blind date at Burrows Park at a company picnic. He married her on June 17, 1947, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Madison. Fritz and Fran recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. During the first years of marriage, they lived above Fritz’s father’s, Ohio Tavern and later moved to their lake home, which he and his father, Bert, built in 1951, just before the birth of their first daughter. In 1949, Fritz with his brother-in-law, Joe Rowley, founded Rowley & Schlimgen, a well-known Madison business for over five decades. He built his business based on strong personal relationships and considered many of his employees and customers among his best friends. Fritz was a member of the Monona/East Madison Optimist Club for over 60 years serving several terms as President and living by the Optimist Creed everyday. Since moving to Westport, he has been a member of St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church where he sang in the choir for 29 years. Among his many talents, he had a gift for playing almost any tune on the piano by ear. He loved entertaining family and friends on Lake Mendota, golfing (particularly as a member at Maple Bluff Country Club), and Badgers football (a season ticket holder for 51 years). He enjoyed many fun-filled trips to Las Vegas, including the one celebrating his 90th birthday. He will be remembered for his dry-wit, warmth and generosity. Fritz is survived by his beloved wife, Frances; four daughters, Kathy (Robert Fillingame) Schlimgen, Nancy (Rich Lampe) Schlimgen, Jennifer (Miles Meyer) Schlimgen, and Ann (John Thomsen) Schlimgen; four granddaughters, Laura (Mike) Knudtson, Julia Fillingame, Lisa Fillingame and Theresa (Greg) Piquette; two grandsons, Patrick (Natalie) Benish and Richie (Mallory) Lampe; great-granddaughter, Maia Knudtson; great-grandson, Reid Frederick Knudtson; and two sisters, Mary Jo Esser and Virginia (Edwin) Sanborn. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Eleanor (Jonas) Rowley; brother, Maurice (Mary Kay) Schlimgen; brother-in-law, Darvin Esser; and two other infant siblings. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. MARY OF THE LAKE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5460 Mary Lake Rd., Westport, at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 29, 2018. Burial will be held at St. Mary of the Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 28, 2018, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday. A special thank you to all the caregivers at SSM Health, Right at Home and especially Natasha, Gertrude and Nicole for their loving care of Fritz. Memorial donations may be made to Monona/East Madison Optimist Club or St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.   Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420