Milton H. Fritze, 80

Milton H. Fritze (Oct. 18, 1935 to May 20, 2016) slipped out of this world and with his loss, his friends and family will know a little less music and a little less laughter.

Milt was born in Steele County, Minn., as the son of Albert and Elsie (Schley) Fritze. He attended rural schools until eighth grade and graduated from Owatonna High School. Milt met his wife, Katherine Gage, at the Owatonna Roller Rink and they married in 1954. In 1970, they moved to the Pacific Northwest.

Milt was a carpenter and contractor. He built many houses, creating special homes for their owners. Through the years, he taught many young men the art of building and carpentry. Milt’s passion was working with wood to create and repair furniture. He spent hours working in his shop while singing with the radio.

He loved children and made them the focus of family gatherings. Wherever he went, he was followed by a wake of children’s laughter.

In his spare time, Milt called auctions, clowning before his audiences, providing them with an afternoon of joyful entertainment. Later in life, the highlight of his week was bowling with Blind Bowlers of Spokane.

His life was focused on his family. He leaves behind his wife, Katherine Gage; five children and their spouses: Lance Fritze (Davonna), Sherry Fritze Fleming (Rod), Tamara Fritze Tracy (Ray), Todd Fritze (Annie) and Brent Fritze (Melissa), two sisters, Irma Hacmac and Elaine Erb, 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. His laughter will live on.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 21, 2016, at Valley United Methodist Church, 115 N. Raymond Road, Spokane Valley, Wash.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Milt’s name to the Kidney Transplant Foundation, Providence Sacred Heart, 101 W. Eighth Ave., Spokane, WA 99204.