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Robert Jacob "Bob" Fritz

1935 - 2019

Robert Jacob "Bob" Fritz obituary, 1935-2019, Vancouver, WA

BORN

1935

DIED

2019

Robert Fritz Obituary


ROBERT JACOB FRITZ
July 10, 1935 ˜ May 28, 2019

Robert J. Fritz, 83, died peacefully at home, surrounded by those he loved. He was born in Isabel, SD to Mary (Huber) and Jacob Fritz. Life on the plains was tough in the 30’s. He lost his father at the age of 3 to an automobile accident, but somehow the family all got by.
In the early 50’s, Bob joined the Army where he became a Forward Observer for a mechanized howitzer division. After his tour of service ended, he started a family and held various jobs in the Black Hills region. The most notable of those jobs was working as a motorman in the Homestake Gold Mine in Lead, SD while residing in the infamous wild west town of Deadwood. Oh, the stories he would tell. In 1970, Bob relocated to Yakima, WA where he worked in the fruit industry. In 1972, he moved to Vancouver, WA where he began a 28-year career with Jubitz, retiring in 2000. The man loved his job and loved to work.
In 1974, Bob met and married the love of his life and wife of 44 years, Diane. Lovingly referred to as Daddy-o, he spent many years with Diane and mother-in-law, Betty (D) playing extremely competitive card games, and relaxing at the Oregon coast. In his retired years, Bob spent quality time working with his sons and grandsons in the family landscaping business. There were laughs and jokes aplenty.
Preceding him in death were his father and mother; father-in-law and best friend/fishing buddy, Raymond; mother-in-law, Betty; brothers, Albert, Ervin and Chris; and sisters, Betty, Beverly and Verna.
He is survived by his loving wife, Diane; sons, Rick (Becky) Fritz and Daniel (Cindy) Fritz of Vancouver, WA; daughter, Darla (Craig) Alia of Huntsville, AL; brother, Daryld of Hot Springs, SD; sisters, MaryAnn of Sturgis, SD and Esther of Selby, SD; 7 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.
Our father and husband was a master tinkerer, an electronics wiz, and had a great sense of humor (to the very end). There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix. He was a diehard Trailblazers fan and dearly loved his cat Rambo. He had a strong opinion about everything and loved recording his favorite old movies that he shared with family and friends. He couldn’t pass a yard sale without stopping and loved collecting baseball hats and coffee machines. His yard was always full of the many squirrels and birds that populated the houses he built for them. They were an endless source of joy.
His poise and character while he fought the ravages of Multiple Myeloma will be an inspiration to those of us that must survive him. Our many thanks go out to our precious friends who gave us strength through this journey and to Dr. Shawn He in the Legacy Oncology department. You gave us 3 precious years with our husband and father that we otherwise would not have had.
Daddy-o was so very loved. We have lost our rock, but have faith that we will see him again.
Per his wishes there will be no service.
Please sign his guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits

Published by The Columbian on Jun. 2, 2019.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Fritz

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Sending all my love to all of Roberts family today, I know these days are difficult. Just know were thinking of you and praying that this day will be filled with the blessing of memories. Memories that make you smile memories that can make you happy. ❤

Beckie Geffre

Family

May 27, 2020

Sorry for your loss Diane and family. What a lovely obituary. Rest In Peace Daddy O.
Take care~

Cara Larson (Scott)

June 16, 2019

Psalm 90:10 says that the days of our years are 70 years, And if because of special mightiness they are 80 years.
May the memories of the wonderful times you shared together bring a smile and joy in your heart.

June 6, 2019

Love and blessings to Uncle Robert's wife and children. Sharing with you one of my favorites, "the gifts of an honorable, well-lived life are in those who will miss you once you're gone" Don Williams, Jr.

Ivy Allard

June 2, 2019

Uncle Robert, You look so much like my Dad. I wish I had known you better. Your life was full and it sounds like you were a master of many things. You and Dad were so close, I just wish I had taken the time to hear your stories of your youth and your time together. Your with your brother Chris now, hug him for me. I am so sorry we didn't know each other better, but I know my Dad loved you very much. We love you too. ❤

Beckie Geffre

June 2, 2019

Darla Alia

June 2, 2019

Darla Alia

June 2, 2019

Darla Alia

June 2, 2019

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