WIRTZ, Fritz Ernest” April 15, 1929 – August 3, 2022 A Servant of God and a Friend to Man went to sleep with the promise of the resurrection when the trumpet will sound and his name will be called – I Thessalonians 4:16, 17. He was 93 and surrounded by family and friends sharing promises and singing.Parkinson’s was his enemy that took over…He is survived by his lovely wife of 9 years, Sophia;his four children Fritz Jr (Dianne), David, Marleen and Kenneth (Sandie); 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two sisters of Wisconsin, Marie Skic and Nathlie Fromfeld; many nephews and nieces; and brother-in-law Floyd Petersen (Eileen), from Loma Linda, California. Fritz was predeceased by his father, Gottlieb; mother, Marie; and his first wife of 59 years, Ruth (née Petersen). Fritz had an 8th grade education and is an example of a man who was Generous; a Visionary; a man of Decision; and Service and Faith minded. He was born in Wisconsin and started in life as a dairy farmer. Then in 196 1, he and his family moved, along with friends, to Kelowna, BC to Hall Road – 2000 miles away. It was a priority for Fritz that his children have a Christian Education, and he worked hard to provide for his family. Fritz started a construction company, A&B Durastone; went into real estate in the mid-60s with Kelowna Reality, Century 21, and Prudential. Then he, and his first wife Ruth, built and operated Sutherland Hills Rest Home in 1972 – serving the citizens of Kelowna with safe loving care and providing employment to amazing loyal staff. 45 years later, in 2017, it was sold. During this time of business, Fritz was Director for 20 of the 30 years with the Silver Tip Pathfinder Club for boys/girls ages 10-15; in 2005, he founded the Ministry in the Philippines, a Faith Works Ministry, and built 21 churches, conducted dozens of health and medical clinics on the Island of Panay, and introduced thousands to a better life in health and in Christian living; he was a strong supporter of the Coronary Health Improvement Project (CHIP); and he conducted many personal bible studies through his years and was a colporteur – selling Christian books from door to door. Fritz lived a humble life while he helped support others. He loved the outdoors and was known as a successful hunter. He was a faithful member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. And, he leaves an honorable legacy. In 2019, A Living Celebration of Life was organized and enjoyed by over 250 guests for his 90th birthday. Donations may be made to Friends of Faith Works Ministry c/o 3075 Hall Road, Kelowna, BC, V1W 2R5. A Graveside Service for his family, and open to close friends, on TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2022, at 10:00 AM, at the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery, 1991 Bernard Ave, Kelowna, BC. Following will be a potluck picnic at the Wirtz Residence, 3079 Hall Road (bring lawn chairs, salads, hot dogs, and picnic food). If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter. To view the Livestream/recording or send the family condolences and photos, please visit his obituary page at www.springfieldfuneral home.com
Published by Okanagan Valley Newspaper Group on Aug. 17, 2022.
