| Graduation Year | Class of 1961 |
| Date of Birth | Nov 28, 1942 |
| Date of Passing | Aug 30, 2026 |
| About | t is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Walter George Fritz, 83, of Westerville, Ohio, who passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, August 30, 2026, with his wife, Carol, by his side. Walter was born on November 28, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Georg and Hedwig Fritz, who immigrated to the United States from Stuttgart, Germany. A first-generation American, Walter grew up in Zanesville, Ohio, where he would later meet his loving wife. He survived polio as a child and went on to lead a full and active life. Walter attended Kent State University, an Ohio University branch campus, and The Ohio State University. He spent over 37 years as a respected sales manager for Bartha Visual. He was a mentor to many, known for his hard work and reliability. He was an avid sailor, enjoyed golfing with the Spring Grove Golf League and, most of all, cherished time with his family. Walter is survived by his wife, Carol; son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Leslie Fritz; and grandchildren, Zachary, Chloe, Lyndsi, and Carson Fritz. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Eric Fritz. Walter met his wife, Carol, in high school, began dating when they were 20 years old, and were married 61 years. Throughout their marriage, he provided for, protected, and loved her with all that he was. That devotion to her was only the beginning. In 1966, Walter was hired as salesman for Bartha, becoming one of the first and longest-serving employees. He played an integral role in the history of the company, helping it grow into what it is today. The loyalty he carried throughout his life extended to everyone he loved and cared for. Walter found joy and comfort sailing the tranquil (and sometimes not so tranquil) waters of Lake Erie, where the islands became his second home. He and Carol spent countless weekends aboard their C&C 37, affectionately named Good Time—because it truly always was—for nearly 40 years. He was a longtime member of the Middle Bass Island Yacht Club and went on many sailing trips to the Caribbean. His love for boating was infectious, a love he passed along to his sons and grandchildren. Their lives are filled with fond memories of learning the ways of the water with Walt by their sides. |
