Thomas James Fritz

THOMAS JAMES FRITZ

     Thomas J. Fritz of Gagetown, devoted husband, father, and community member, passed away March 12, 2025, at the age of 73, following a brief illness. Born in Pigeon on June 15, 1951 to Arlington and Arlene (Schuette) Fritz. He married Elizabeth Lorencz on September 19, 1970 in St. Agatha Church of Gagetown. Tom leaves behind a legacy of love and dedicated service to family, friends, and community.

     Tom built a distinguished forty-three year career in the vending industry, starting with Bauer Candy and retiring from All Star Services. His commitment to community service was demonstrated through his active membership in Our Lady of Consolata Parish, where he contributed to various ministries, including the food pantry and the maintenance of St. Agatha Church and Cemetery. Tom was also a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus and served on the Owendale-Gagetown School Board. In his leisure time, he cherished moments with his family, enjoyed outdoor pursuits such as farming, hunting, and three-wheeling, and had a passion for collecting memorabilia. Tom often spent time in his man cave, listening to oldies music and tinkering with projects. He will be remembered by his friends and family as an honorable and social person committed to his faith, family, and community service.

     Tom is survived by his loving wife of fifty-four years, Elizabeth; children: Jodie of Warren, Brent (Patti) of Royal Oak, Ryan (Kathleen) of Bloomfield Hills; grandchildren, Rachel, Andrew, and Zachary; brothers, Roger of Owendale, Mark of Caseville, and Michael of Owendale; his sister, Barbara (James) Hornbacher of Sebewaing; aunts, Joyce Rosenthal, Kay Schuette; uncle, Dale (Donna) Schuette; mother-in-law, Mary Lorencz; sisters-in-law: Mary Lorencz, Margaret (John) Shagena, Kathy Sciumeca (Michael D’Onofrio); brother-in-law, Jim Sattler; many nieces, nephews, cousins and will be missed by the Wednesday morning coffee klatch friends. He was predeceased by his parents; father-in-law, Joseph Lorencz Jr.; sister-in-law, Linda Sattler; and nephews, Jimmy and Logan Sattler; uncle, Don Schuette.

     Funeral mass held 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 17, 2025 in Our Lady Consolata, Gagetown with Fr. Craig Carolan officiating. Interment in St. Agatha Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Our Lady Consolata St. Agatha Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund (make check out to Our Lady Consolata) or to a charity of donor’s choice.

Visitation: 3pm to 8 pm, Sunday, March 16, 2025 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City.

10 am to 11 am, Monday March 17, 2025 in Our Lady Consolata, Gagetown