Joseph R. Fritsche

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Visitation Schedule
Rosary: St. Ignatius Catholic Church
108 Main Street
Scranton, AR  72863
Friday, February 3, 2017
7:00 p.m.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
St. Ignatius Catholic Church
Hwy 197 E.
Scranton, AR  72863
Saturday, February 4, 2017
10:00 a.m.
Cemetery
St. Ignatius Cemetery
Hwy 197 E.
Scranton, AR  72863
Memorial Contributions
St. Ignatius Reglious Education
P.O. Box 87
Scranton, AR  72863
I served in the Air Force.
Joseph R. FritscheI am a Veteran.

of Scranton, AR

January 9, 1924 - January 29, 2017

Joseph R. Fritsche, 93, a resident of Scranton passed away Sunday, January 29, 2017, in Scranton.

He was born January 9, 1924, in New Blaine to Adolph and Elizabeth (Ebbing) Fritsche. He joined the military on November 21, 1942, and served in World War II as an Aerial Gunner in the United States Army Air Force. His plane was shot down during his 18th mission on December 27, 1943, near Padova, Italy, where he was captured and held as a prisoner of war. He was honorably discharged on July 17, 1946, and later awarded many medals by the United States Army that included, Purple Heart, Air Medal with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Prisoner of War, Good Conduct, American Campaign, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, World War II Victory and Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII. Joe was a member of the St. Ignatius Catholic Church, a 4th Degree lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the American Legion. He retired from the Logan County Bank in 2011 after 52 years where he served as President and CEO.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Mildred (Ahne) Fritsche; his parents; two sisters, Marie Anhalt and Rose Koch; three brothers, Ben Frietsche, George Fritsche, Edward Fritsche (infant) and a great grandson, David D'Augustine.

He is survived by his two daughters, Joni Fritsche of Santa Rosa, California and Maureen Musholt of Elkins; three sons, Don Fritsche of Scranton, Gary Fritsche of Scranton and Alan Fritsche of Grapevine, Texas; eleven grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren.

A rosary service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 3, 2017, at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Scranton.

The funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 4, 2017, at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church with Fr. Josely Kalathil, I.M.S. and Fr. Jerome Kodell, O.S.B. officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the United States Air Force will follow in the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery in Scranton under the direction of Roller Funeral Home in Paris.

Pallbearers will be Adam Fritsche, Josh Fritsche, Mark Fritsche, Ryan Fritsche, Braeden Sugg and Jackson Shafer. Honorary pallbearers will be his caretakers and the Logan County Bank employees.

Memorials may be made to St. Ignatius Religious Education, P.O. Box 87, Scranton, AR 72863

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15 Condolence(s)
Gary Lovan
Ola, AR
Liked
Monday, July 24, 2017

Mr Fritsche was truly a member of America's Greatest Generation for his service during World War Ii, when his plane was shot down and he was badly injured and captured by Nazis and served as a Prisoner of War. He financed the first farm and home I ever owned and I was always treated respectfully and honestly by Joe when I dealt with him and Logan County Bank. Even though I do not live in Logan County any more, I will always bank at Logan County Bank because of him.

Clay Hiett
Roland, AR
Liked
Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Mr. Fritsche was my very first client over 20yrs ago. I was young and clumsy and Mr. Fritsche was well aware of that fact but was patient and gracious and I will always remember that. I will never forget being in his office and (after telling him I was interested in WWII history) hearing him tell the story of getting shot down over Italy. An American hero and a member of the greatest generation. God bless.

Dennis and Nancy Terry
Scranton, AR
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Sunday, February 5, 2017

Sorry for you loss. May god give you comfort.

Nancy and Dennis Terry

Ken & Dianne Hart
New Blaine, AR
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Friday, February 3, 2017

Our deepest sympathy to the Fritsche family. Joe was a fine man and will be missed by the community.

Kelly Bartholomew Duffy
Farmington, AR
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Friday, February 3, 2017

Maureen and Christa- I'm so sorry for the passing of your daddy and grandad. May God bless and comfort you at this very difficult time. Sending up prayers.

Kelly

Rev. Jim Pat Mills
Paris, AR
Liked
Friday, February 3, 2017

Mr. Fritsche served his country with courage and distinction, his God and church with unwavering faith and devotion, his bank and community with wise and dedicated leadership, and his family with love and loyalty. I miss him. I am praying for his passing and all whom he touched.

Cole and Julie Sory
Subiaco,
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Friday, February 3, 2017

Cole and I send our condolences to the Fritsche family on the passing of Joe. He was a very kind man!

Shirley Rhinehart
Paris,
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Thursday, February 2, 2017

Sympathy & regards to the family He was truly a good man.

Susan E. Johnson
Scranton, AR
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Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Mike and I want to express our sincere sympathies at Joe's passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Joyce Tuller
Fayetteville, AR
Liked
Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Maureen, condolences in the death of your Daddy.

Donna Cunningham
Paris, AR
Liked
Monday, January 30, 2017

So sorry for your loss....Prayers for your family! May God bless all of you!

Bill Snow&Shirley Carter
Springdale, AR
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Monday, January 30, 2017

Thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of loss.

John and LaVerne Schuster
Staunton, IL
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Sunday, January 29, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
S

Christine Cox
Springdale,
Liked
Sunday, January 29, 2017

My sympathies and prayers are with the Fritsche family in their time of sorrow.

Ronnie & Millissia Jones
Paris, AR
Liked
Sunday, January 29, 2017

To Joe's family! There is so much to say about this man you called Dad. He had a very interesting career in the military. So glad they honored him with the Purple Heart and all of his other awards. I hope you have some of them recorded. He was very proud of all his children and their families. Peach and understanding to each of you.