Donald D. Fritz

Donald D. "Pud' Fritz, 85, passed away peacefully, at home on June 15, 2012, surrounded by his family after suffering a stroke. He was born on September 23, 1926, in Navarre, Ohio, to the late Otto and Vera (Machan) Fritz. Don was a 1944 graduate of Massillon Washington High School. He proudly served our country in the Merchant Marines during WWII. He then enjoyed four years of civilian life until once again he was called to serve in the U. S. Army. After being honorably discharged, Don continued his trucking career, eventually establishing Fritz Livestock Service, Inc. After approximately sixty years of trucking Don retired at the age of eight-two. Don was a proud member of the Northeast Chapter of the American Truck Historical Society, the Merchant Marines Hall of Fame Chapter, and the Navarre V.F.W. Post 5047. He had a never–ending passion for all of the facets of the trucking industry. Along with his parents, Don was preceded in death by two of his brothers, Bob and Jim, his brother-in-law Dick Hostetler and sisters-in-law, Pat Fritz and Martha Galvin Fritz. He is survived by his wife of almost fifty-four years Dorothy (Drage) Fritz, sister Mary Lou Hostetler, brother Bill Fritz, sister-in-law Gerry (Bob) Fritz, two children, his son Mike (Susan) Fritz, and daughter Julie (Doug) Stelzle, four grandchildren Tiffany and Travis Fritz, and Nick and Hallie Stelzle, many nieces and nephews, and longtime friends. Don always said his reason for choosing to drive truck was "to see what was over the next hill." Friends may call on Wednesday from 5-8pm at the Paquelet Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home at 1100 Wales Road N.E. in Massillon, or one hour prior to the funeral on Thursday at 11am. Burial will take place at East Union Lawn Cemetery in Navarre. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the donor's favorite charity. Paquelet & Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home & Crematory 330-833-4839