Fritz Theodore Spitzbarth

FRITZ THEODORE died peacefully on January 25, 2017 whilst being cared for at the Blue Water Hospice in Marysville. Beloved husband to Lois Ruth (Davis) for 65 years; dearest father to sons Robert J. and John A. Also survived by brother Arthur (Juanita) and sisters Margaret and Gertrude (Lawrence). Mr. Spitzbarth was preceded in death by his parents Hans and Else (Mahr) Spitzbarth. Fritz was the son of German immigrant parents who came to the US, along with Fritz's older brother and sister, in the mid-1920s. Fritz was very proud of his German heritage. His mother was an intellectually curious woman, who provided a traditional and comforting home life during the depths of the Depression. His father was a demanding man whose die making expertise allowed him to work throughout the 1930s to support his family. Fritz greatly admired and respected his father's tenacity, toughness, work ethic and craftsmanship. In the late 1920s, the family built a home on Detroit's Northeast side. Fritz embraced his east side roots and often jested that he was just a poor kid from the east side struggling to get by. He attended Denby High, and it was at Denby in the mid-40s that he met the love of his life, Lois, whom he described as "vom Himmel Geschickt", or sent from heaven. They were married on 15 Sep 51. At 17, Fritz joined the Marine Corps. He served in 1946-47 and always considered himself a Marine. From 1946 on, he spoke often with Tom, his Marine Corps friend from Parris Island. In late 1947, shortly after his honorable discharge from the Corps, Fritz went deer hunting in the Upper Peninsula for the first time. This began a love affair with the UP that lasted until he died, and he referred to the UP as the "Promised Land". In 1970, he bought a Finnish sportsman's club called the "Suomi Hunting Club". Many of his most joyful times were spent at the Suomi. For the past 25 years, he spoke frequently to his good UP friend Dale who kept him apprised of all the UP news when Fritz was away. Nothing was more important to Fritz than hard work, earning your pay and being the best you could be at your craft. He became a tool and die maker in the late 1940s, working at Modern Die and Tool in Detroit. After Modern closed in 1970, Fritz found a niche in the used machinery business and formed his own company, Fritz's Industrial Sales. The used machinery business was truly Fritz's calling and he worked in it for the next 40 years, many of them with his good friend Kenny. Fritz enjoyed every day in the Machinery Business and never considered it work. He was proud of the success he achieved in business, as well as the success of his children. While he loved both working and his trips to the UP, his greatest joy was always returning home to his wife of 65 years, Lois. They built a beautiful life together for themselves and their two sons. Over the years, Fritz and Lois also enjoyed many travels together in the US, Canada, and abroad. Fritz was a one of a kind man who carved his own path through life. Most importantly, he was a truly good and ethical man, who took great care of his family and was a trusted friend. He was a man who was self-made, wise, gregarious, adventurous, funny, and hard working, and he lived the American Dream. Fritz will always be loved by his family and friends. He will never, and could never, be forgotten. We miss him so much. A small private service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Blue Water Hospice.

Fritz Theodore Spitzbarth

April 15, 1928 - January 25, 2017