Leroy Fritsch

LeRoy V. Fritsch, 85, Freedom, passed away peacefully Friday, January 6, 2023, after a four year struggle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). LeRoy was born on January 28, 1937, the son of the late Arthur and Marie (Novak) Fritsch. At a young age LeRoy started working for his father making cheese at their Gopher Hill Cheese Factory in Town of Oneida while also attending school in West De Pere. In his younger days and being born with a rebel spirit, LeRoy had a love for fast horses and Indian motorcycles. He was also a Golden Glove boxing champion. At age 17 he bought his first milk truck and started his business while also serving six years with the Army National Guard Reserves.

On September 23, 1958, LeRoy married the love of his life, Mary Lou Van Boxtel. Together they raised five children. Over the years LeRoy enjoyed working on landscape projects with Mary Lou around their beautiful yard on Fritsch Road in Freedom. LeRoy raised beef cattle, trained and broke paint horses for riding and was very talented in mechanical work. After 45 years and many longtime friendships formed with farmers, LeRoy sold his milk route business. He was not someone to sit around; he then went to work for Truck Country in Kaukauna which he really enjoyed. Soon after Mary Lou had a disabling stroke LeRoy committed to taking on the new role of caregiver without hesitation which he proudly did for 14 years and he never complained.

LeRoy is survived by his five children: Brenda Fritsch, Freedom; Jackie Fritsch, Manawa; Keith Fritsch, Freedom; Connie (John) Seegers, Freedom; and Sue Fritsch, Kaukauna. He is further survived by his grandchildren: Joe (Selena) Fritsch, Brandon Fritsch, Desiree Fritsch, Ashley (Kevin) Sturm, Andrea (Tyler) Linzmeier, Michael Sonnleitner, Jordan Sonnleitner, Tiana (Freeman) Beechy and Dante Bush-Fritsch; great-grandchildren: Roger and Joey Fritsch, Tytan and Taz Sturm, Seeger and Scout Linzmeier, Evangeline Fritsch, Brantley and Everly Beechy. Also many nieces and nephews. LeRoy's siblings: Patricia (Joseph) Rickert, Appleton; Nancy (Robert) Van Boxtel, Freedom; Carol Appleton, Kaukauna; and Chuck (Connie) Fritsch, Appleton; sisters-in-law: Sandy Fritsch, Freedom; Helen Fritsch, Appleton; Carol Fritsch, Green Bay; Judy Vermeern, Appleton; Bonnie Ness, Green Bay; Elaine Vanderhoof, Green Bay; and Patricia Hammen, Kaukauna.

In addition to his parents, LeRoy was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou; one sister, Donna Ludwig; brothers: Larry, Bernie, Robert and Jerome Fritsch; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Jean(Bill)Taylor, Dan Van Boxtel, Bob Ludwig and Clark Appleton; nieces and nephews: Shaun Van Boxtel, Troy Van Boxtel, Guy Taylor, Kevin Fritsch and Jason Ness.

Private Family services will be held at St. Edward Catholic Church, N2926 State Rd.47, Mackville, Father Robert Chinnapan officiating, Deacon Jeff Hofacker assisting. Burial will take place in Freedom Moravian Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers any monetary donations can be made out to "Good Shepherd Services" which will go to their wheelchair accessible BUS FUND in LeRoy's name. Thank you.

The family would like to thank the staff and management at Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Seymour for the exceptional care and advice you provided during dad's stay. We are so grateful! We would also like to thank dad's prior caregiver, Barb, from Right at Home for her exceptional care and friendship.

Dad: thank you for being the best dad, the best example and such an awesome positive force in our lives. And most of all thank you for being mom's primary caregiver for 14 years- you will forever be our hero!

Online condolences may be expressed to LeRoy's family at www.muehlboettcher.com.