Arnold William “Bill” Fritz, age 92 of Carlyle, passed away at his home on Thursday, April 11, 2024.
Mr. Fritz was born in Wesley, Iowa on January 1, 1932, a son of the late William A. and Wilma (nee Gerdes) Fritz. Bill married Norma Jeane Ahrens in Grinnell, Iowa on June 21, 1953, and she preceded in death on March 2, 2015.
Mr. Fritz is survived by his children – Dawn M. Stedelin and husband John of Huey, Illinois, Dale William Fritz of Birmingham, Alabama, and Jelene R. Rickhoff and husband Kenneth of Bartelso, Illinois; 5 grandchildren – Jarrod Ashby of Mascoutah, IL, Brook Stewart and husband James of Robinson, IL, Brent Rickhoff of Bartelso, Renae Poole and husband Adam of Breese, Jenna Sims and husband Bryan of Trenton; 2 step-grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 9 step-great grandchildren. He is also survived by 3 brothers – James Fritz of McKinleyville, CA, Don Fritz of Britt, IA, and Robert Fritz of Pipestone, MN; and 2 sisters – Virginia Spalding and husband James of Burleson, TX and Linda Bluhm of Burnsville, MN; 2 sisters-in-law – Diane Fritz of Titonka, IA and Connie Ahrens of East Des Moines, IA; and a brother-in-law – Rick Curphy.
In addition to his wife and his parents, Mr. Fritz was preceded in death by 2 brothers – Dennis Fritz and Richard Fritz; his in-laws – Stanley and Ruby Ahrens; his brothers-in-law – Edward Bluhm, and Paul Ahrens and wife Juanita, and Raymond Ahrens; and his sisters-in-law – Mary Ellen Curphy, Mary Curry, and a step-grandson.
Mr. Fritz dedicated his life to the great outdoors and service to his community. After graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in biology, Bill embarked on a career led by his passion for nature and conservation. He worked as a fishery biologist for the Illinois Department of Conservation, where he maintained Carlyle Lake, Lake Shelbyville, and Rend Lake Reservoirs. Bill was recognized by the state of Illinois for his contributions and research on the Illinois waterways. His love of nature continued throughout Bill’s life, as he could often be found fishing, hunting, golfing, or birdwatching with fellow members of the Audubon Society. After retirement, Mr. Fritz earned his real estate license and worked as an agent for Strano. When not working or spending time outdoors, Bill loved sharing stories and coffee with his coffee club friends.
Bill was a respected member of the Carlyle community who volunteered in many ways over the years. He proudly served as a treasurer and trustee for the Carlyle Fire Department for 25 years. His work with the department was instrumental in bringing ambulance service to Carlyle. Bill was a member of the Carlyle Jaycees and was recognized by the Carlyle Rotary Club with the “Paul Harris Fellowship” for his service and dedication to the community. He was also a devoted member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Carlyle, where he actively engaged in various leadership roles, activities, and outreach programs. Bill served in the United States Army during the Korean War. His faith and dedication to service and nature impacted many lives within the community.
A Funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Carlyle with Rev. Brett Jones, officiating. Visitation will be held at Zieren Funeral Home in Carlyle on Monday, April 15, 2024, from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. and at Messiah Lutheran Church on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, from 10:00 – 11:00 A.M.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Fritz are suggested to Messiah Lutheran Church or to the charity of the donor’s choice, and will be received through Zieren Funeral Home, 1111 Clinton Street, Carlyle, IL 62231. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.ZierenFuneralHome.com.
