We Remember
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 1961, 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 honourable 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.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM:
Service
TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2022, at 10:00 AM
Location
Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery
To the Wirtz Family
So Sorry for your loss.
My father, William Hetke, gave Fritz some sheet rock work when the Wirtz family first arrived in the Kelowna area. They became good friends and when our dad no longer could live alone he moved into the loving care at the Care Facility that Fritz and his wife established. Our Dad passed away in 1992 and I will always be grateful for them taking care of him which we could not do as we lived thousands of miles away. Thank you for showing your love to Him! Elsworth Hetke
I am so sad when i heard that he passed away.. We called him here in the Philippines Dad Fritz,..he showed many memories everytime he came into the Philippines for evangelism..he love the ministry so much.. i will not be graduated if he didn’t help me to support financially. I have met him last 2006, when his group came into the Philippines i serves as his translator during our house to house visitation, i also sing as special music before he speak. He taught me to become more patience in all aspect of life…i am working student during that time..he told me that i will have a bright future, you need to finish your study he said study. And because of him i graduated with my Theology course, months before my graduation in 2010 i wish that he is able come to witness my graduation, i made an email to him through sir merlyn but no answer from him…from then until now i wasnt able to communicate with “Dad”. A month ago ive heard from pastor Levy Estores dad he met Dad Fritz and i am happy at last i wast able to communicate with him, but without knowing that Dad is sick. Two days ago Pastor Levy told me that he passed away.. I am so sad…i cried because i wasnt able to say to him THANK YOU DAD that you helped me, because of you i am now an ordain minister and working for the Lord under SOUTH CENTRAL LUZON CONFERENCE Philippines.. To the bereaved family of Dad,,i would like to say that Dad Fritz is a loveable man, he is a very kind person. He is a great man..
Our family wants to extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved of Dad Fritz.
We love you dad and your family..
Rodel Villas and family
So many lifetime memories! It would fill a book! He formed my life more than any other person. Thank you, Fritz