| Sudden Death of Frank J. Fritch Shock To Viola
Prominent Manager of Lumber Yard Succumbs Tuesday
Death again this week entered the ranks of Viola citizens and
took the life of one of its prominent businessmen, most active in the
civic affairs of the community, Frank Joseph Fritch
Mr. Fritch had not been in the best of health the past year, but
was at his work as manager of the Farmers Grain & Supply Co., as
usual, on Saturday. He became ill during Saturday night and on Monday
evening was removed to St. Anthony's hospital in Rock Island where he
passed away at 1:00 a. m. on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 1948,
He was the son of Joseph S. and Emma Budelier Fritch, and was
born on a farm near Reynolds Jan. 31, 1876. As a small lad, he moved
with his parents to a farm in the Greenbower neighborhood southeast of
Viola. He received his education in the Greenbower school.
Wed in Aledo
He was married Aug. 30, 1916, to Miss Ruth Rosalia Spicer in
Aledo. They went to housekeeping in Viola, and for the 32 years of their
married life, he has been a director and manager of The Farmer's Grain
& Supply Co., in Viola.
He was a member of St. John's Catholic church of Viola; past
president and valued officer and director of the Viola Building and Loan
association; a member of the Viola Booster's association; and a former
bank director. During the war years, he served as a member of the Tire
Rationing board.
Surviving with the widow are three sons, Paul J. and Eugene C. of
Denver, Colo., and Laurence A. Fritch of Moline; also two daughters,
Rosalia Fritch O'Grady of Chicago, and Dorothea at the home; two
grandsons, Frank and Thomas Fritch, of Denver; a sister, Mrs. Emma
Garrett of Aledo; and a nephew and sever nieces.
His brother Edwin died exactly two weeks ago.
Insert: Services for Mr. Fritch will be held Friday morning at 10
o'clock from St. John's Catholic church in Viola. Rev. C. M. Meyer will
officiate and interment will take place in St. John's cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Patsy Kaveny, Martin McVeigh, John Kness,
John Schaechter, Fred Roettler, and Bert Mack.
(Aledo Times Record, Wednesday, August 11, 1948, p. 1) |
