Obituary of James Albert Fritz

James Albert Fritz, 77, of St. Cloud died unexpectedly on Friday, October 12, 2018 at his daughter Sarah and special son-in-law Mark's home.

He was born September 3, 1941 in St. Cloud, MN to Marcellus and Virginia (Kellas) Fritz. James grew up in St, Cloud where he attended St. Cloud Cathedral High School, graduating in 1959.  As a yound adult, he worked at the St. Cloud Hospital and for the Williams Funeral Home in St. Cloud.

In May of 1962 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  He served during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in July 1966.  Upon returning home he welcomed his first born, Sarah and two years later son David.    

In 1963 he was united in marriage to Mary Kay Pettit.  They made their home in St. Cloud, Wadena and later Minneapolis.  The couple separated and in 1971 James married Nancy Oakes at Long Lake Lutheran Church.  They lived in Bradford and later Osseo. 

Jim worked at Medtronic for several years, was an airplane mechanic at Turbo West in Colorado, Elliot Beechcraft at Flying Cloud Airport, Ballistic Recovery Systems at the Airport in South St. Paul, the Crystal Airport and most recently in the Biomed Department at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis, from which he retired. 

Jim enjoyed listeing to classical music, collecting guns, shooting guns, and ammunition reloading.  His passion was aviation. He had his pilot's license, was member of the Experimental Aircraft Association.  He and a friend built their own Piper Cub airplane out in his garage.   

James was preceded in death by his parents, son David, wife Karen and brother Charles.

He is survived by his daughter Sarah and husband Mark Hanson of Cedar, two grandchildren Marcus Wiatrak of East Bethel, Marc Garrison of California, sister Marie Stockinger of Andover, brothers John (Mary) Fritz of St. Cloud, Tom (Vicki) Fritz of St. Cloud, Jerry (Kimberly) Fritz of Maple Grove, Sarah's mother Mary Kay Brown of Bloomington, and former wife Nancy (Donald) Iverson of Prior Lake, as well as many other relatives and friends.

There will be a private graveside service at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.

Donations can be made to the family directly to the funeral home by clicking on the Donate Now button below to help cover family expenses. Those who donate can write an expression of sympathy for the family which can be found by clicking on the Condolences tab above or one can remain anonymous.

We thank you in advance for any and all help in the family's time of need