Fredrick "Fritz" Kroetch |
Fredrick G. "Fritz" Kroetch
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Fredrick G. “Fritz” Kroetch was born on March 24, 1937, on his parents’ homestead in the Hilland area, north of Philip, the son of Fredrick M. and Lydia Pearl (Boyce) Kroetch. He grew up on the homestead and attended Elbon Rural School and later Philip High School. As a young man he worked with his parents on the homestead.
Fritz served in the United States Army from December 7, 1956 to December 6, 1958. After his honorable discharge he returned to Philip where he worked on construction.
Fritz was united in marriage to Barbara L. Heeb on April 15, 1961, in Philip. They made their home in Rapid City where he worked on the Minute Man Missile Sites. In 1964, they moved back to Philip where he worked his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jim and Wanda Heeb, on their farm-ranch. In 1966, he became employed at Scotchman Industries. In 1991, he worked at NAPA Auto, as an outside salesman, a position he held until retiring in 1999.
After his retirement, Fritz and Barb remained in Philip, where Fritz enjoyed coffee times, visiting with many people, playing cards, and wheelin and dealin cars.
Fritz was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and a longtime member of the Alano Club, both of Philip.
Survivors include his wife Barb of Philip; a son Brad Kroetch and his wife Donna of Rock Ledge, Florida; a daughter Renea Koupal and her husband Greg of Rapid City; three grandchildren Chris Kroetch and his wife Bobbi of Wichita, Kanasa, Ryan Kroetch and his wife Sarah of Mitchell, and Shawna Lavene and her husband Josh of San Antonio, Texas; two great-granddaughters Norah Kroetch and Kay Lynn Lavene; one brother Charles Kroetch and his wife Kay of Philip; one sister Lottie Walker of Renton, Washington; two sisters-in-law Eleanor Kroetch of Philip, and Emily Kroetch of Philip; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Fritz was preceded in death by a son Bart Kroetch; his parents; three brothers Arthur, Ralph, and Marion as a child; and one sister Mary Ann Kroetch as an infant.
Visitation will be held 5 -7 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 3, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with Father Kevin Achbach as celebrant.
Interment with military honors by the American Legion Post #173 of Philip, will be at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
A memorial has been established.
Memorials and cards may be sent to P.O. Box 514, Philip, SD 57567.
