Leroy "Tom" Fritz

When thinking about Leroy Tom Fritz, words that come to mind are determined, strong, and of course, funny. He was a man who was always willing to put in a hard days work, and he was very protective of those he held most dear. Tom had a special place in his heart for animals of all kinds, but his closest buddy was his Pomeranian, Rocky. Even as he was plagued by various health challenges over the past several years, Tom fought hard and remained to be a bright light in the world around him. As the early forties made way for WWII in our nation, there was also renewed commitment to what it meant to be an American while many people at home supported the war effort in whatever way they could. Women filled the jobs their men abandoned in order to serve, and victory gardens sprung forth in an effort to lessen the demands on the public food supply. It was shortly after the United States had dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki that in Dearborn, Michigan, David and Rosella (Hite) Fritz were celebrating the birth of their son, Leroy, on November 19, 1944. Originally from Pennsylvania, Leroys parents moved to Michigan in pursuit of better employment opportunities. His father did indeed get a job with Ford Motor Company, and was able to support his large family which included not only Leroy, but eight other children as well. Their family was active in their church, and their home was always a busy place filled with the aroma of baked goods Leroys mom was especially famous for her delicious bread. Leroy, who was most often called Tom, enjoyed a typical childhood for young boys of this generation. At times, he found himself in a bit of mischief like the time when he was about four and had gone into the outhouse. His family heard some loud noises coming from the outhouse and discovered that little Tom had fallen headfirst into the toilet! His brother then carried him into the house by his feet so he could get a much needed bath. There was also the time that Tom, who loved to wander in the woods, was once lost among the trees for several hours until his sister found him. Tom was very protective of his younger brother David, and during the summer the kids would split up and go to visit relatives. He was a gifted artist, was extremely good with a yo-yo, and went to Roosevelt School until he left during the ninth grade to serve in the Army. Tom honorably served from 1962 through 1968 as both a marksman and a cook. After Tom was discharged, he found employment with Ford Motor Company. It was also during this time that he met and married Judy. Although their marriage ended in divorce after five years, they were blessed with three children together. Unfortunately Tom didnt see his children much, but his legacy grew to include ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In order to be closer to family, Tom moved to Fremont where he got a job with Liberty Homes and Farms. Ironically, he went from building and remodeling homes for Liberty Homes to tearing them down. Although he was dating someone at the time, Toms life turned in a new and exciting direction when he noticed a girl named Phyllis Wahr at work one fateful day. There was an immediate attraction between them and they have been together ever since. They had soon moved in together, and enjoyed fishing, camping, and hunting together too. Tom and Phyllis also got together often with their relatives and friends from work. After living together for a few years they decided to make it official and were married on August 29, 1987. During the ceremony Tom thought maybe Phyllis was changing her mind because when it was time to put the ring on her finger, she kept pulling her hand away. It finally became apparent that Tom was trying to put the ring on the wrong hand! Eventually, Tom found employment at Acemco Automotive in Spring Lake where he worked in electronics as a welding technician for 22 years. When he wasnt working, however, there were a variety of activities that Tom pursued. He had a passion for hunting and fishing, and loved electronic gadgets. Tom and Phyllis both loved animals they had a pet monkey named Tony and a cockatiel named Sam who is 32 years old. It was the companionship of his Pomeranian Rocky though, that Tom truly treasured. He also attended Eastwood Church of the Nazarene. One of Toms happiest moments was when he and Phyllis purchased their current home with dreams of fixing it up in their own unique way. These dreams sadly never came to fruition though as shortly thereafter, Tom became ill. He suffered a heart attack in 2001 and again in 2008, and was additionally diagnosed with renal cancer in 2003 which led to removing one of Toms kidneys. Amazingly throughout his numerous health struggles, Tom remained strong, even working until May of this year. Sadly, recovery was not to be. Whether he was toying around with his latest electronic gadget, camping with his wife, or enjoying the company of his dog, Leroy Tom Fritz carried himself with honor, strength, and character. He could be strong-willed and even hard-headed when it came to matters he was passionate about, yet underneath he was really just a big jokester. Toms heart was limitless, and he saw the value of embracing each day as though it was a priceless gift. He will be dearly missed in so many ways his memory remaining forever etched on the hearts of all those he leaves behind. Leroy "Tom" T. Fritz died Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at home. Toms family includes his wife, Phyllis; sons, Leroy Fritz Jr., Kenneth Fritz; daughter, Angela Davis; 10 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bill and Russell, and sister, Joretta. A Casual Gathering to celebrate Tom's life will be held Saturday, September 19, 2009, 1:00 p.m. at Eastwood Church of the Nazarene with Rev. Tom Parks officiating. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book. Arrangements provided by Clock Life Story Funeral Homes Muskegon location Muskegon, MI.