Martin Fritz

Martin “Marty” Fritz, age 89 of Lanark, Illinois, died Tuesday, March 04, 2014 at Big Meadows Nursing Home in Savanna, Illinois. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 9, 2014 at the First Brethren Church in Lanark, with Pastor E. C. Lathrop officiating. Military rites will be accorded by the Lanark American Legion Post # 357. Cremation rites will follow and burial will take place in Lanark Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 9, 2014 prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers donations may be given to the First Brethren Church in Lanark or to a charity of your choice in Marty’s memory.
Marty was born October 14, 1924, the son of Josef and Mollie (Shorepetz) Fritz in Ironwood, Michigan. Marty enlisted in the United States Navy on December 7, 1942 and served during World War II as an aircraft gunner. He was honorably discharged on February 17, 1946. He worked for Milwaukee Forge in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for thirty-six years and became a Chief Estimator. Marty married Shirley Bucy on February 22, 1974 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Marty was a member of the First Brethren Church, Lanark and the Lanark American Legion Post # 357. He was an extraordinary woodworker. He was even known for repairing small engines.
Marty will be dearly missed by his wife, Shirley of Mt. Carroll, Illinois; two daughters, Sandra (Randy) Law of Thomson, Illinois, Candace Gunem of Fremont, Michigan; a son, Bruce (Jo) Weinkauf of Delafield, Wisconsin; a granddaughter, Stephanie Lane; four grandsons, Luke Figie, Zach Figie, Jon (Sara) Weinkauf, Andy Weinkauf; two great-granddaughters, Piper Lane, Addison Weinkauf; a sister, Mary Zortz of Milwaukee; a brother-in-law, Donald Zilles of Milwaukee and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Marty is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, John and Frank and a sister, Caroline Zilles.