Mr. Francis G. Fritz

Francis G. Fritz, 91 of Green Bay, passed away on November 2, 2023. He was the son of Francis A. and Ruth E. Fritz of Cass City, Michigan. Gerry graduated from Cass City High School in 1949 where he was a three-year letterman in football, basketball, and track. He served in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in 1955. Gerry was married to Mary Jovita (Clark) Fritz on January 12, 1963, and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on January 12, 2023. Gerry attended Michigan State University, received his bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and his graduate degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His professional broadcast experience included News, Continuity, and Program Director at WSTR (now WMSH) in Sturgis, MI, the news department at WKZO (now WMTV) in Kalamazoo, MI, an announcer at WKJG AM-TV in Fort Wayne, IN, and a network journalist at ABC’s Midwest Bureau in Chicago IL. In 1970, Gerry joined the faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point as Senior Lecturer in Journalism in the Communications Dept. He was also General Manager of the campus radio station WWSP from 1970-1974. In 1973 he served as Executive Assistant to the Chancellor Lee Dreyfus under whom he studied as a graduate student at UW-Madison. Gerry also served as assistant to the Dean of Educational Services and Innovative Programs and later was named acting Dean of the Learning Center. In 1980 he assisted in the development of the Student Advising Center where he specialized in experiential learning while teaching communication courses to foreign and non-traditional students. He retired in 1998. Gerry was a member of the journalism fraternity Sigma Delta Chi, the National Association of Broadcasters, and the Chicago chapter of the barbershop singing group SPEBSQSA. He was also an Eagle Scout. Gerry was an avid reader and writer, having authored several short stories, a novel, a biography, and a children’s book. He enjoyed running half-marathons and in his last race took second place at the age of 86. He was a fan of both professional and collegiate sports as well as track and field events. Gerry enjoyed traveling with his wife Mary Jo, doing their daily crossword puzzles, and watching their ‘programs’ that he’d get queued up for her every night. He loved being with his children and grandchildren during all their family get togethers. Survivors include his wife Mary Jo, Green Bay, two sons Michael (Joanna) of Chandler AZ, Paul (Jennifer) of Las Vegas NV, Kathleen (Jim) Gibson of Sturgeon Bay, Kristin Battaglia (Rick) of Stevens Point, Erin (Dean) Maniscalco of Green Bay, twelve grandchildren and one great-grandson. He is also survived by two sisters, Carol Ann (Roger) Karr of PA, and Rosemary Donovan of CA, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Robert and Thomas. Funeral services will be held on Friday 12/22/23 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Green Bay WI. 9:00am visitation with mass at 11:00am. Donations may be made to St. Vincent Children’s Hospital 835 S. Van Buren Street Green Bay, WI 54301.

Mr. Francis G. Fritz

December 23, 1931 - November 2, 2023