Raymond Melvin 'Mel' Fritsch
Jan. 23, 1946 - Nov. 15, 2008
PALISADE -- Raymond Melvin "Mel" Fritsch died Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008, at his rural home near Palisade. He was 62 years old.
Mel was born Jan. 23, 1946, at Olympia, Wash., to Charles Paul and Lois "Maxine" (Bushey) Fritsch. He graduated from Tumwater High School, Tumwater, Wash., in 1964.
He entered the U.S. Army in 1965 and served during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1968. He was a member of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars.
On June 20, 1967, he married Betty Jean McCarter in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. To this union two daughters were born. They moved to the Palisade community in 1971. Mel was a junior partner with Lloyd Benjamin and Wade Kolba of C B S Constructors in McCook. He was an integral part of the company installing the manufactured products until his health prevented him from working.
He was a member of the National Rifle Association and Nebraska Snowmobiling Association. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and woodworking. He and Betty loved spending time with their church family and granddaughters.
Preceding him in death were his father, Charles Fritsch and maternal and paternal grandparents.
Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Betty Fritsch of Palisade; two daughters, Tammy Fritsch of Broken Bow and Kimberly Fritsch of North Hollywood, Calif.; his mother, Maxine Fritsch of Olympia; four brothers, Chuck Fritsch and wife, Sandy of Montesano, Wash., David Fritsch and wife, Kathy of Yakima, Wash., William "Bill" Fritsch and wife, Chris of Wills Point, Texas and Robert "Bob" Fritsch and wife, Lanae of McCook; three sisters, Sue and husband, Walt McQueen of Kennewick, Wash., Mary and husband, Jim Austin of Bremerton, Wash., and Ida and husband, Mark Bigelow of Tenino, Wash.; two granddaughters, Shamra Tae and Morgan Cassa of Broken Bow; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and a host of friends.
Memorials may be given in Mel's honor.
Visitation is today until 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friends may send condolences to the family at www.carpenterbreland.com.
Funeral Services will be Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008 at 3 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Chapel in McCook with Morris Hartman officiating. Cremation will follow the service. A private family inurnment will be at a later date.
Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.