
Robert Fitz
July 01, 1944 - June 26, 2019
Obituary
MADISON – Robert E. “Bob” Fritz, age 74, of Madison, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 1, 1944, in Madison, the son of Lucille (Gerry) and Marlo Fritz. He married his high school sweetheart, Joan Bradley, on April 19, 1965, and they were married 54 years.
Bob graduated from Madison East High School in 1962 and attended UW-Stevens Point. He worked at Bruns Volkswagen for many years, starting as an auto mechanic, service manager, sales manager and ultimately the general manager. Bob was an avid softball player and enjoyed woodworking. He was also known as “Mr. Fix It” and he could fix anything. Most of all, Bob enjoyed being with his family and friends. His greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Bob is survived by his wife, Joan; son, Bill (Carrie) Fritz; daughter, Becky Fritz; sisters, Marlene Cone and Dianne Tellock; sister-in-law, Karen (Gil) Hoffman; daughter-in-law, Dannette Wilson; grandchildren, Drew and Conner Fritz, Morgan (Luke) Vosberg and Kenzie and Macey Scanlon; great-grandchildren, Landon, Liam and Lainey Vosberg; aunts, Etta (Roy) Graham and Ev Gerry; many Gerry cousins; and nephews, Joel, Luke and Jordan. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, David; and brother, Stan.
Per Bob’s request, he wanted only a celebration of life which will be held at BOWL-A-VARD LANES, 2121 E. Springs Drive, Madison, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2019. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to be put in a fund for Bob’s grandchildren.
Bob’s family would like to give an extra special thank you to the family, friends and neighbors who have given their time, love, and support over the past few years in helping care for Bob and his family. Special recognition goes to Roger and Mikki, Pat and Lisa, Fabian and Lynn, Dave and Mandy, Pat and Shirley, Jared and Patsy. An additional thank you to all the staff at Congestive Heart Failure Clinic, especially Jess, Paula, and Sonja for their amazing care, along with countless other nurses and doctors at St. Mary’s Hospital. The family also extends their thanks to Bob’s church family, who offered their time and guidance to Bob and his family. They would also like to acknowledge the East Side Boys Breakfast Club, especially Denny, Carole, Pat, Patti, Joe, Moe, and Jim. Online condolences may be made to www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Celebration of Life
Sat Jul 13, 2019 @ 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM CDT
Bowl-A-Vard Lanes • 2121 E. Springs Drive, Madison, WI 53704
Photos
No photos of Robert have been shared yet.
Memories
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Gary Mahnke
Other •
How fortunate I was to meet and become a good friend of Bob's in junior high school, being friends for life! We had so many good times together in sports, class and with our high school sweetheart wives through out the 62 years of friendship. We miss you Bob, R.I.P. Gary & Annette
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Dianadean27@gmail.com
Other •
Time passes much too quickly and we lose touch with classmates, but one thing that never changes is the memory of those precious years and the people we shared them with. Joan Bradley Fritz was my best bud in elementary and high school. When Bob came along and stole Joan's heart, it was one more gem to add to my circle of friends. He was the kind of guy that was rather brief with words, but long on knowing and demonstrating what true friendship was all about. I know, without reservation, there is a line a mile long of people in agreement. I have no doubt that Bob was enfolded in Angel's wings and given a safe journey home. May it bring a measure of comfort to Joan, the rest of the family members and to all who knew and loved Bob, to be assured that there are so many that share your sorrow. Diana Kalish Backus
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Bob Akamatsu
Other •
Joan, my sympathy to you for your loss. But never forget, how blessed you were to have so many years with such a stand-up guy. Bob, thank you for your friendship. Someday, on the other side of the river, we will again discuss memorable Volkswagons. Bob Akamatsu
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Mark L Turner
Other •
Praying for God’s peace and grace for all of the Fritz family. I had the pleasure of playing a lot of ball with Bob. I was a year behind him at East. He was a leader and a gifted athlete. I will always remember his great upbeat attitude. I know he will be missed by all, stay focused on the great memories. It’s been years since I’ve seen him, but I will never forget him. Blessings. Mark L Turner (class of 63).
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Jim Affholder
Other •
Bob Fritz ....no one could ever ask for a better, loyal friend! Joan, you and family maybe don't know how many great friends Bob had...He was so respected by everyone. You and your beautiful family have our deepest sympathy. Bob was gifted in so many ways ...Athletics, fb, bb & baseball, best drummer at East, maybe all of Mad Town! Bob forgot more about cars then the rest of us together knew... Bob could throw a helluva party.... Good times at The Cottage....Wirth Court...Tenny Park beer parties, Breese Stevens, The Anchoe Inn, and playing for Security State Bank and our coach, Mike McCormick! Truly a man's man... He'll always be in our thoughts and prayers! We love you Joan! Af Jim Affholder
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Karen Hoffman
Other •
Happy Birthday Bob. Bob walked me down the Church aisle when I got married. He also made me my first grasshopper when I was eight yrs old and had just broken my ankle at Hartmyer Ice Arena. Sweet Smile!