Duane Leroy Fritz

January 11, 1935 - October 17, 2021

Duane Leroy Fritz left this world for his heavenly home on October 17, 2021, after a short illness at the home of his son, Kenneth, in St. Petersburg, FL, aged 86 years, 9 months, and 6 days. He was a good and faithful man, who always placed the needs of others ahead of his own. He was preceded in death by his dearly beloved wife of 63 years, Isla Mae (Minnema), his brother Donald Edwin, and his parents Kenneth Edward and Helen Dorothea (Behrens). He leaves behind his devoted sons and their wives: Kenneth (Kim L.) of St. Petersburg, FL, Duane Jr. (Trisha) of Parrish, FL, and James (Kim M.) of Cypress, TX; his adoring grandchildren Cameron, Kristen, Kaden, Nick (Lisa) and Emma; his loving niece Cecelia Bradham of New Port Richey, FL; andone great-grandchild, Claire of Okinawa, Japan. Duane was born in Rockford, IL in 1935. During his school years he found his life-long enjoymentof reading, excelled in cross-country, and became a skilled auto mechanic before graduating from Ottawa Hills High School in Grand Rapids, MI in 1953. He joined the United States Air Force in 1954. After basic training he married Isla, the love of his life, and served his nation honorably overseas as a radar technician during the Korean War. He was hired by the IBM Corporation to service electronics equipment and over a 30-year career rose to senior management in their manufacturing operation, planning and overseeingprojects to build new computing products at IBM plants in Kingston, NY, Raleigh, NC, and Boca Raton, FL. His company softball teams won several championships. He also enjoyed recreational bowling in local leagues for many years until earlier this year. While living in Saugerties, NY, he restored many cars and even built a dune buggy. He retired in 1987 and moved to Pinellas Park, FL where he has lived until his recent illness. Since retirement, he has been an active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in St. Petersburg, FL,where he has demonstrated his love for and commitment to the Church, providing weekly assistance for the maintenance of their computer equipment, supporting the Church’s school, and volunteering to serve in many ways over the years. As the patriarch of his family, he has been a constant source of strength, and a model of faithfulness to his wife, his sons, and their families. His absence in the lives of surviving family will be deeply felt. There will be a service to celebrate Duane’s life and entry into the kingdom of heaven on Friday October 22, 2021, at 11 am at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 301 58th St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33707.