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Jerome “Jerry†R. Fritsch, 90, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 3, 2022. Jerry was born on August 11, 1932, the son of the late Arthur and Marie (Novak) Fritsch.
Jerome completed Stark grade school and graduated from St. Norbert High School in 1949. He worked as a cheesemaker for his father at Gopher Hill Cheese Factory and briefly taught cheesemaking at Heritage Hill in Green Bay.
In 1951, Jerome joined the U.S. Naval Air Force, attended boot camp at Great Lakes, IL, was sent to schools in Memphis, Tennessee, Jacksonville, Florida, and in Alameda, California, where he worked in overhaul and repair of Naval Aircraft. Also, during his four years of service, he boxed on the All-Navy Boxing Team. His biggest thrill was to be chosen as a contender on the TV program “Meet the Champâ€. He was runner-up in the California state competition of Golden Gloves Champions. After two years in Alameda, he was moved to Bremerton, Washington, where he went aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hancock, which was the first ship to introduce the steam catapults. The Hancock was later moved to San Diego, California where Jerome continued his work and stayed until his honorable discharge in 1955. On May 30,1955, Jerome married his childhood sweetheart, Carol Ann De France and they would go on to raise 5 boys. Their romance continued over 67 years.
In 1957, Jerome began working for William Lucas at Bay Drafting and Models in Green Bay. He, along with Ron Rasmussen purchased the company in 1970, which they renamed Bay Technologies, Inc. Ron passed in 1987, at which time, Jerome continued as sole owner until his retirement in 1996. Soon after, he and his wife, Carol, moved to Underwood Lake in Oconto County.
A wonderful father, loving grandfather and great grandfather, Jerome enjoyed and appreciated all of his God-given gifts and was thankful for the privilege of serving his God as a Catholic Christian. For his entire adult life, Jerome was an active member and past Grand Knight in The Knights of Columbus.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Michael (Tina) Fritsch of Green Bay, Daniel Fritsch (Minocqua), Timothy (Mary) Fritsch (De Pere), Paul (fiancé, Becky) Fritsch (De Pere), Patrick (Kelley) Fritsch (De Pere); grandchildren, Ryan (Michelle) Fritsch, Katie (Nick) Henkemeyer, Sydney Fritsch, Kayla Fritsch, Haley Fritsch; great grandchildren, Mason Fritsch, Addison Fritsch, Ellie Fritsch, Wyatt Henkemeyer; brothers and sisters, Patricia (Joseph) Rickert (Appleton), Le Roy Fritsch (Kaukauna), Nancy (Robert) Van Boxtel (Kaukauna), Carol Appleton (Kaukauna), Chuck (Connie) Fritsch (Appleton), brothers and sisters in-law, Eunice Garsow (De Pere), James (Mary) De France (De Pere), Marion (Jack) Forsyth (AZ), Dorothy (Stephen) Blake (Berlin), David (Maureen) De France (AZ); Sandy Fritsch (Appleton), Helen Fritsch (Appleton), and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Art and Marie Fritsch; sister, Donna Ludwig; infant brother, Larry, brothers, Bernard and Robert; grandson, Josh Olson; granddaughter, Riley Olson; infant granddaughter, Desiree Fritsch; nephews, Kevin Fritsch and Tom Garsow; niece, Shawn Van Boxtel; brothers-in-law, Clark Appleton, Robert Ludwig, Orbert Garsow, Frank Schuh; sisters-in-law, Janet Schuh, Mary Lou Fritsch, and Rose Schuh.
Friends may call at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Family on Friday October 7, 2022, from 9:30AM until 11:15AM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30AM with Fr. James Baraniak O.Praem. officiating. Please go to www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the family.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to Unity Hospice and the staff at McCormick Home for all the care given to Jerry the last few months.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Jerry’s name or please consider a donation to The Knights of Columbus Council number 3955, send in care to Ryan Funeral Home.
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