Gary D. Fritze

Gary D. Fritze, age 87, of Green Valley, AZ (formerly Hastings, MN) passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on January 31, 2021. Gary was born November 21, 1933 at home in Old Cottage Grove, Minnesota and grew up in the same small community. Gary had two brothers (Gene and Wally), one sister (Sandy), and Red Spicer,a brother in spirit. He graduated from Hastings High School and joined the Army, serving in the Korean War. After his service in the Army, he attended school and started working at 3M. He had many jobs at 3M including production operator, central research scientist and technical service supervisor for 3M. He married Dorothy Conzemius in 1951 and they had five children. Gary worked at 3M for 34 years. In 1982 he married Barb Friday (McCallum). They both retired from 3M in June of 1994 and traveled to Arizona for the winters. In 2000 they built a home in the Quail Creek Community of Green Valley, AZ where they met many friends and spent their retirement. Gary loved to deer hunt and fish with his boys, he was an avid outdoorsman and passed his love down to his family. He loved to golf with his wife and friends. Gary and Barb spent summers in Minnesota where they enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gary was preceded in death by his parents (Walton “Bud” and Lila Fritze), brother-in-laws Ollie Abrahamson and Jerry Weber, sister-in-laws Mary Fritze, Elly McNamara; stepson Craig Friday, nephews Terry and Tom Fritze and Shawn Abrahamson. He is survived by his wife Barb; sister-in-law Peggy McCallum; children, Linda (Mark) Prettyman; Steve (Carol) Fritze; Lori(Mark) Beskau; Scott Fritze; Jim (Marilyn) Fritze; Diane (Mike) Bohmert, Debbie (Gary) Johnson; 16 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren; and many special nieces and nephews. A private family service will be held.