Paul Fritsche

Paul Louis Fritsche

Sept. 7, 1935 - Aug. 22, 2019

McCOOK, Neb. — Paul Louis Fritsche of McCook, while surrounded by family, passed away at Great Plains Health in North Platte, Neb., on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019. He was 83 years old.

Paul was born in McCook on Sept. 7, 1935, to Louis Charles and Clarissa Mae (Blake) Fritsche. Paul married his beloved wife, Levina June Clapp, on Dec. 24, 1954, in McCook.

Paul started his career as a manager of Paul’s Shamrock Station. Paul switched career paths and worked as a valuable member of the construction team building the Hugh Butler Dam. Paul and his family relocated to Valentine, Neb., where he worked constructing the Merritt Dam. In 1962, Paul and his family returned to McCook to the family farm. Being a dairy farmer was one of the true passions and loves of his life. Paul spent the rest of his life as the fourth generation to do so, running the family farm and raising his family on the land he loved. In 2005, as a farmer whose family owned land for 100 consecutive years, Paul was awarded the prestigious Aksarben Pioneer Farm Award.

Paul was a generous, kindhearted person, with a quick smile and laugh, who was always there to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren who benefited from his guidance and being a role model for integrity and honesty.

Paul was active in his community as a member of the Elks Lodge No. 1434, where he served as the Exalted Ruler from 1987-1988. He was also a member of the local Eagle’s Club and Memorial United Methodist Church.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Louis and Clarissa Fritsche.

He is survived by his loving wife, Levina Fritsche of McCook; six children, Dennis (Claryce) Fritsche, Debra Fritsche, Charles (Janet) Fritsche, and Mark (Holly) Fritsche, all of McCook, Karen (Steve) Fatzinger of Thornton, Colo., and Kevin (Peggy) Fritsche of Maywood; 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; numerous family and a host of friends.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Memorial service will be Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, 2 p.m., at Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel, McCook, with Pastor Jeff Kelley officiating. Inurnment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, McCook.

Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook entrusted with arrangements.