Delbert Fritz

Delbert Fritz

Aug. 9, 1927 -- Oct. 2, 2012

BARTLEY, Nebraska -- Delbert Robert Fritz passed away Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012, at the Cambridge Memorial Hospital. He was 85 years old.

Delbert was born on the family farm near Bartley on Aug. 9, 1927, to German parents, John R. and Lydia Marie (Troester) Fritz. He attended Lutheran Parochial School until the eighth grade. He graduated from McCook High School with the class of 1945, where he participated in FFA and learned to be an excellent welder.

On Aug. 9, 1945, he entered the US Navy and served during World War II. He was honorably discharged on April 4, 1946.

Delbert was united in marriage to Orian Reiners on Oct. 3, 1948. They made their home on the family farm near Bartley, where they raised their three children. Delbert farmed all of his life until failing health prevented him from working. They moved to Cambridge in July of 2012.

Delbert was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Lutheran Layman's League, Bartley American Legion, Bartley Fire Department and also served as the cemetery treasurer for the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. He loved the land and he dedicated his life to farming and raising cattle. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor, his fondness for his dog, Lassie, and his love for Nebraska football.

Preceding him in death were his parents, John and Lydia Fritz; son-in-law, Don Hall; sister, Ilene Kisker; and brother, Martin Fritz.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Orian Fritz of Cambridge; daughter, Janine Hall of McCook; sons, Robert Fritz and wife, Carol, of Omaha and Allan Fritz and wife, Katie, of Wamego, Kansas; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; sister, Erma and husband, Harvey Hinz, of McCook; Orian's sister's children, Jolene and husband, Lynn Goodenberger, of Omaha and Delvin Leibbrandt and wife, Tina, of Bartley, who Delbert and Orian raised following Orian's sister and husband's deaths. Also surviving are numerous family members and a host of friends.

Memorials may be given in Delbert's name to KNGN Radio or to a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be Friday, Oct. 5, 2012, from 1-8 p.m. at Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church with Pastor Tom Albertson officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, rural Bartley. Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.