Obituary: Fredrick G. "Fritz" Kroetch

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In memory of

Fredrick G. "Fritz" Kroetch

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 74

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 was 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 was 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, was held 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.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Friday, February 3, 2012 - 10:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

CELEBRANT
Father Kevin Achbach

CON-CELEBRANT
Father Tim Hoag

MUSIC
Marianne Frein - Pianist
Rose Heeb - Vocalist
“I Am The Bread Of Life” #343
“Amazing Grace” #424
“Gift Of Finest Wheat” #327
“O’ Loving God” #694
“We Are The Light Of The World” #543

LECTOR
Bethany Kroetch

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Kay Ainslie - Mike Gebes

ALTAR SERVERS
Lane Kroetch - Wade Kroetch

USHERS
Sonny LaBeau - Kenny McIlravy

PALLBEARERS
Chris Kroetch - Ryan Kroetch
Jerry Kroetch - Toby Kroetch
Bruce Kroetch - Ralph Kroetch, Jr.

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Open the Memorial Folder

Visitation: 5 -7 p.m. on Thursday, February 2, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip
Vigil Service: 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 2, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 3, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.
Interment with military honors: Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

Sign the guestbook

Deepest sympathy to Fritz's family. He was a real caring friend to my cousin, Jim and will be missed by everyone who knew him. We will keep all of you in our prayers in the days ahead. Sincerely Bev and Cork ~ Bev & Cork Jahner Kerrville, Texas (1/31/2012)
We are so sorry to hear that Fritz is gone. We will miss his big smile and keen sense of humor and most of all him! RIP Fritz!!!! ~ Roger & Valerie Williams Philip SD (1/31/2012)
So sorry for your loss Barb & family...you are in my thoughts & prayers. ~ Cindy Nuzum Buffalo, SD (1/31/2012)
I'm so sorry to hear about Fritz he was a one of a kind man. He will not be forgotten Philip lost another good man. ~ Bonnie Moses Exeter, NE (1/31/2012)
Deepest sympathy to the family. So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Julie Brown ~ Julie (Moses) Brown Fairmont,Ne (1/31/2012)
So sorry to hear of Fritz's passing! He would always bring a smile to my face! We will miss him. God bless you all as you go through this time of such loss.
Kieth & Deb ~ Deb Smith Philip (1/31/2012)
So sorry to hear of your loss Barb and family!! I did't know Fritz real well, but got to know him a little when you were in the RCIA Classes at Philip with Father Tony Grossenberg! He was a very nice man and wish we could have gotten to know each other a little better. Remember the great times you have had together as it always seems to help. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all!! God Bless! ~ Gary and Jody Block Midland, SD (1/31/2012)
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Fritz was one of a kind and he told me stories and shared information about my Uncle Kenny Day many times. I really admired what Fritz stood for. He was always so jolly and loved to visit. Again we are so sad to hear this and you will be in our prayers. ~ Gary and Julie Nixon Philip, SD (1/31/2012)
Oh Barb, it always catches us unawares! He was such an example of and inspiration for change! My prayers and sympathy. ~ Mary Kay Sandal Plainview, SD (1/31/2012)
So sorry to hear of Fritz's passing.My favorite memory of him was trying to keep his colorful langauge under control! I would come around the corner and he would swivel around and say where did you come from? We will miss him.
~ Jim & Sandi Blair Pierre, SD (1/31/2012)
HI Barbara and family,
KAY called this morning and I am so sad about our loss--I will call you tonight--LOVE SIS Lottie ~ Lottie Walker 1009 Monroe Ave N.E RENTON, WA,98056 (1/31/2012)
Barb and Family, Friz was a good man and friend to all who really knew him. I will miss him! ~ Joe Millage PHILIP (1/31/2012)
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. ~ Ann and Larry Cvach Midland, SD (1/31/2012)
Barb and family - Our sympathies to your family. Fritz was a wonderful person; great sense of humor and always a friendly Hello! God Bless you in the long days ahead. ~ Don & Jolene Haynes Philip (1/31/2012)
Barb and family - My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Fritz was an "unsung hero" who probably didn't realize how many lives he had touched. He definitely made a difference in mine and I'm going to miss him so much! ~ Kerry Burns Philip (1/31/2012)
Barb and Family: We are sorry for your great loss. You will be in our prayers. ~ Mike & Shar Moses Philip (1/31/2012)
Fritz will be missed greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of need. ~ Larry Schulz Philip (1/31/2012)
Barb and family
I am so sorry for your loss. The death of a loved one is such a painful time. Only Jehovah truly understands the depth of pain and offers comfort and hope to each of us at this most difficult
time. Please read John 11:24-27.Psalm 37:29. Psalm 83:18. Hope this thought and scriptures bring comfort to your heart as they have mine during this time of sadness.

~ Lee & Irene Keyes 116 Coney St. Dublin, Ga. 31021 (1/31/2012)
Barb and family- Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this time of need. Fritz touched many lives and will be greatly missed. ~ Rudy & Susan Roth Philip (1/31/2012)
I remember many good times with Fritz, one good time was when we worked on our two old Chevy pickups.Fritz will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you Barb, and with your family. ~ Randy Martin Philip (1/31/2012)
Dear Barb and the Kroetch families
With sorrow we heard the news. Fritz will never be thought of without bringing a smile to our faces. What a joyful, good-hearted person he was and so very proud of his family! We offer our sympathy and prayers for comfort during these painful days. ~ Rocky and Rebecca Williams Phlip, SD (1/31/2012)
We are so sorry to hear of Fritz's passing. Barb, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. We know he will be missed by all who knew him. ~ Lloyd & Rosi Royer Waukee, IA (1/31/2012)
Barb, we are so sorry hearing of Fritz's passing. We will miss him so much. He was such a fun, happy, loving, caring, thoughtful, person. We are glad of the special memories we have of Fritz. May God Bless You at this time of great sorrow!!!!!!
We love ya. ~ nancy and kenny neville and lacie philip (1/31/2012)
Renea & Greg and family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your Dad. We all are thinking of you and send our sincere condolences. Margo, Mike and Becky ~ Julius & Simpson Rapid Ctiy SD (1/31/2012)
Fritz was a big help to me throughout my younger years. And also a huge inspiration. He will be strongly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you Barb and family ~ Brad Osborn Belle Fourche (1/31/2012)
So sorry to hear about Fritz, he was quite a guy, hold on to your memories. ~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip (1/31/2012)
Fritz had a very large impact on lots of people due to his years and years of dedication to his fellow man. He will not be forgotten. ~ Boyd Waara Philip (1/31/2012)
Many a times Fritz and my dad, Wayne, would stop traffic in order to flip a quarter to see who would win that ever changing $20 bill. It was great sport for both. May fond memories bring comfort and healing. ~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter Kadoka (1/31/2012)
Our sincere sympathy to you and your family. Keepng you in our prayers. ~ Rick and Nancy (Pekron) Ehrhardt Brandon SD (1/31/2012)
Fritz, a heck of a guy, not a phony bone in his body. I am proud to claim him as a friend. ~ Jim Strain Rapid City (1/31/2012)
So sorry for your loss, and my prayers and thoughts are with Barb and the family. As I remember Fritz I can't help but thinking all the times he would pull up in front of Philip Motor and hurry in to match David and I for $5. I've seen kids in a candy store that were not more excited than Fritz racing around to look at the coins flipped lying on the floor to see who won. I know if I make it up there Fritz will be waiting with a coin and a big grin. ~ Sherman Burns Sheridan Wyoming (1/31/2012)
My deepest condolences to his family; I was saddened to learn of Fritz's passing. Fritz was a great help to me and I will always remember his happy and joyous greeting when I came to visit Philip. I will miss him. ~ Gregg Anderson Somerset, NJ (1/31/2012)