Wilbert Clarence Fritz, age 99, of Chesterton passed away Saturday, April 10, 2010. He was born June 17, 1910 to Albert & Myrtle (Mason) Fritz in Wannatah, IN. He married Dorothy (Boyd) of Chicago who preceded him in death. Wilbert was also preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, William and Earl, 3 sisters, Hazel Kellen, Lillian Byers and Velma Siewart, granddaughter, Connie Dille, great grandson David Dille and his “G” dog. He is survived by his devoted daughter, Sandy (George) George of Chesterton and daughter, Barbara (Richard) Crum; sisters, Betty McCandrew of PA, Myrtle Novak of Portage, IN and Lois Roda; grandchildren, Tammy (Chris) Smolen, Tracey George, Deb (Chris) Kurman, Colleen (Roger) Weltzin and Paul (Lisa) Crum; great grandchildren, Gregory, Danny and Clarence Dille, Shelbie Sullivan, Pop’s “little buddy” Sean Smolen, Shellie Kurman, Shannon Stewart, Richard (Kara) Weltzin, Crystal Weltzin, John Mosier and Lindy Crum. Pop grew up on a farm and worked hard his entire life. He always said “hard work never hurt no-one!” He retired from Boyd Construction in Hobart as an Operating Engineer. One of Pop’s greatest passions was animals – all types! He was devoted to helping every animal he came in contact with, including the wildlife his daughter Sandy would bring home to raise while working at Westchester Animal Clinic. Another interest of Pop’s was tinkering. He was always building something, sometimes not knowing what the outcome would be. No matter what George may have “misplaced” in their shared tinkershop, all he ever had to do was ask Pop where it was, Pop always knew. Pop was known by those who knew him well to be a little bull headed. If told not to do something, you couldn’t turn your back because just like a child he’d do it anyway! Just ask any of the nurses or aides at Fountainview Living Center in Portage, who took such amazing care of him. Funeral Services for Pop will be held on Wednesday, April 14th at 11:00 a.m. at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway, Chesterton, IN. Burial will take place at Chesterton Cemetery, Chesterton. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 13th from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In Lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Porter County Animal Shelter. www.ee-fh.com

Posted 4/12/2010