After an afternoon of gospel music sung to him by his family and friends, Chris Fritz passed away peacefully at the young age of 85 on Monday, July 16, 2018, at Hospice of the Hills in Rapid City, SD.
Christian Adam Fritz was born December 8, 1932, at Mound City, SD, to Jacob and Maria (Mary Huber) Fritz. Chris spent most of his growing up years in the Isabel, SD, area. He met a beautiful young lady, Bonnie Belle Goetz (who happened to be his neighbor), and they were married in Isabel, SD, on June 3, 1952. Their union lasted 56 years until Bonnie passed away. They had two beautiful daughters, Cheryl Kay and Beckie Lyn. Shortly after the birth of Cheryl, the family moved to Deadwood, SD, where Chris was employed with Homestake Mining Company in Lead, SD. He was proud to be called a "hard rock miner", a job he held for 38 years until his retirement in December, 1992.
Chris and Bonnie's dream came true when they were able to purchase acreage near Bear Butte and built their dream home in 1979. There, he enjoyed raising chickens, pigs, cattle, and sheep. The two milk cows provided them with lots of milk and cream. One of his hobbies was tending the garden while Bonnie preserved the bounty. He looked forward to attending sheep and cattle auctions at local sale barns.
In their later years, Chris and Bonnie enjoyed gaming and visiting local friends in Deadwood. Chris was a voracious reader and especially loved to read old western novels. He loved to joke around, and enjoyed making people laugh. The light of his life was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by two daughters, Cheryl Brewer of Rapid City, SD, and Beckie (Marty) Geffre of Sturgis; two brothers, Robert Fritz of Vancouver, WA, and Daryld Fritz of Hot Springs, SD; two sisters, Esther Goetz of Selby, SD, and Mary Ann Derby of Sturgis; grandchildren, Bethaney (Tom) Stewart of Rapid City, SD, Andrew (Jen) Geffre of Sioux Falls, SD, and Adam Geffre and special friend, Mandy Farmer of Sioux Falls, SD. He was Grandpa Great to Ashtin Stewart, Tommy Stewart, Jaxon Geffre, and Aria Geffre.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bonnie; brothers, Albert Fritz and Ervin Fritz; and sisters, Verna Goetz, Betty Williams, and Beverly Udager.
Services for Chris will be held on Sunday, July 22, 2018, at 2:30 PM at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, SD. A private family inurnment will be held on Monday, July 23, 2018, at Bear Butte Cemetery in Sturgis.
A memorial has been established Rapid City Regional Hospital Hospice of the Hills.