Kenneth R.

KasselderPhillip J. Fritz

Atkinson — Phillip "Phil" J. Fritz, 68, of Atkinson, died Sunday, July 7, 2024 in Le Mars, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at the Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson with a 7 p.m. rosary.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 12, 2024 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Atkinson. Frs. Bernard Starman and Ross Burkhalter will officiate. The 4th degree Knights of Columbus will stand honor at the church.

Pallbearers will be Bruce Fritz, Pamela and Joe Pongratz, Matthew and Kaitlin Fritz, Aaron and Emily Fritz.

Honorary pallbearers will be Phil's grandchildren Amanda Pongratz, Logan Pongratz, Miranda Pongratz, Colton Fritz, Emily Fritz and Kailey Fritz.

Burial will be in the St. Joesph's Catholic Cemetery in Atkinson.

Memorials may be made to the Team Jack Foundation, Beginnings Pregnancy Resource Center, St. Joseph's Catholic School or The Wounded Warrior Project in Phil's name.

Phil was born on March 27, 1956 to Francis and Mildred (Beckman) Fritz in Neligh. He was the second of four children. In 1963, he moved to the Atkinson/Stuart area when Francis and Mildred purchased the family ranch. He graduated from West Holt High School in 1974. He attended college at UNL and worked in various industries in Lincoln. 

While living and working in Lincoln, he met the love of his life Linda (Wortman). They were united in marriage on June 2, 1979 in Lincoln. Four children were born to this union Bruce, Pamela, Matthew and Aaron.

Phil returned to the Atkinson/Stuart area to work on the family ranch. Linda reluctantly followed him back, but quickly fell in love with the country lifestyle. Their marriage was on rocky ground for the first several years as Phil had to teach Linda how to properly park the tractor and the fine art of working cattle. They moved into the main house on the ranch in 1985, after Francis and Mildred moved into Atkinson, and he resided there until his death.

Phil was a proud and active member of the Knights of Columbus and obtained his 4th degree. Early in his married life, he was involved in the Atkinson and Nebraska Jaycees. He was dedicated to St. Joseph's parish and helped on many of the renovations at the church and school throughout the years. 

He loved spending time with his grandkids, walleye fishing, playing cards, bowling and upland game hunting.

Phil fought a hard and long battle against cancer and systemic lupus. Thankfully he was able to attend the wedding of his son Aaron and Emily (Oetken) on July 6, 2024, which was his final goal. Phil passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, July 7, 2024 in Le Mars, Iowa.  

Phil is survived by his wife Linda; four children Bruce Fritz of Lincoln, Pamela Pongratz and children Amanda, Logan and Miranda of Cody, Matthew (Kaitlin) Fritz and children Colton, Emily and Kailey of Sioux Falls, SD and Aaron (Emily) Fritz of Elk Point, SD; three siblings Marvin (Dee) Fritz of O'Neill, Helen (Scott) Plugge of Bartlett and Mike (Julie) Fritz of Atkinson; along with mother-in-law Emily Wortman; and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law Edward Wortman.