Lancaster, WI - Merrill E. Fritz, age 87, died on Monday morning March 21, 2016 at Orchard Manor in rural Lancaster. Merrill was born on Dec. 19, 1928 in Dubuque, IA the son of Carl & Evelyn (Herbst) Fritz. He was united in marriage to LaVon Rennison on Oct. 3, 1953 in Lancaster.
Merrill graduated from Lancaster High School in 1948 and then worked at Gurkow Produce until being drafted in the U.S. Army, serving his country from 1951 to 1953. After returning home to Lancaster, Merrill was employed at the Dubuque Packing Co. also known as FDL Foods Inc. for 33 years until his retirement. Merrill enjoyed meeting the gang for a cup of coffee, a game of cards, or just hanging out at Zippy’s along with going fishing, hunting, and camping. He and LaVon also loved wintering in Florida. Merrill was a member of the Christ Lutheran Church, Lancaster American Legion, and the Platteville Elks’ Lodge.
Merrill is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, LaVon Fritz of Lancaster, three children; Cheryl (David) Budworth of Ridgeway, Gale (Steve) Gillilan of Lancaster, and Kevin (Rose) Fritz of Whitewater, ten grandchildren; Kristi (Matt) Nelson of Windsor, Dan (Staci) Budworth of Milton, Tim (Lisa) Budworth of Madison, Valerie (Lance) Mish of Cassville, Nicole (Nick Pohle) Johnson of Lancaster, Carl, Sarah, and Jessica Fritz of Whitewater, Matt Gillilan of Bloomington and Curt (Ashley) Gillilan of Potosi, 13 great grandchildren; Alex and Zach Nelson, Brayden, Dani, and Devin Budworth, Jonathan, Lucas, and Crystalyn Mish, Jayden and Owen Johnson, Audrey Pohle, Ava and Weston Gillilan and brother Marvin (Anna) Fritz of Kendall, many special nieces and nephews, and a sister-in-law Eula Mae Caley of Beetown.
Merrill was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Milton Fritz.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday March 26, 2016 at the Christ Lutheran Church in Lancaster with burial to follow in the Hillside Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until time of service at the church on Saturday morning. In lieu of plants and flowers a memorial fund is being established in loving memory of Merrill E. Fritz. The Larson Family Funeral Home of Fennimore is assisting the family and online condolences may be made at www.larsonfuneralhomes.com