Aug. 8, 1946 – May 29, 2016
George J. Fritz, 69, of Sweet Home died May 29, 2016 from liver cancer.
He was born Aug. 8, 1946 in Tacoma, Wash. to George Washington and Ellen Theresa (McCloskey) Fritz.
Mr. Fritz served in the United States Marines Corps from 1964 to 1968 and also in the United States Army National Guard, from which he retired as a Sergeant First Class in 1996. He served in Roseburg, Grants Pass, McMinnville and Ore-gon City, and retired in Forest Grove with over 20 years of service.
He was awarded the Army Achievement Medal, along with other service medals.
Mr. Fritz lived in Washington, Oregon and California. After retiring from the military, he worked for 15 years at OHSU in Portland. He was involved with church, the Central Oregon Band of Brothers veterans group, and the Oregon State Parks as a volunteer. George enjoyed photography, fishing, boating, traveling and spending time with his family. His favorite travel spot was Diamond Lake, Oregon.
Mr. Fritz and his wife Bonnie started volunteer hosting at the State Parks in 2010. He was a frequent host at Cascadia, Smith Rock and Shore Acres State Parks, among other parks. They bought a home in Sweet Home in 2012.
He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Bonnie Fritz of Sweet Home; son Keith and daughter-in-law Kelly Fritz of Newberg; daughter-in-law Charlotte Fritz of Milwaukie; two grandchildren; brother Jim and sister-in-law Tammi Fritz of Coburg; sister Linda Mallory of Rainier, Wash.; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Fritz was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Philip Fritz, in 2003.
A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m. Saturday, July 9, at Newberg Church of Christ, 2503 Haworth Ave, Newberg.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his name to the Friends of Shore Acres State Park, P.O. Box 1172, Coos Bay, OR 97420.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.