Gerald M. “Jerry” Fritsch

Gerald M. “Jerry” Fritsch passed away on August 20, 2018, after fearlessly fighting Parkinson’s Disease for 20 years. He was born to Archie and Stella Fritsch (Neis) of Rochester on May 23, 1936. Jerry graduated from Cannon Falls High School and graduated from St. Mary’s College in Winona, Minn., in 1958. There he was a founding father of Phi Mu Alpha, the school’s music fraternity. Later he earned a Master’s Degree in history at Minnesota State University, Mankato, the first in his family.

Jerry was a high school and junior high school teacher for 34 years. He taught English, history, and social studies in Lewiston, Chatfield, and St. Paul Park, Minn. In Chatfield, he was the teacher contract negotiator and scouted for the football team. In St. Paul Park, he was department chairman, the head football, baseball, declamation coach and assistant wrestling coach.  Jerry also proudly served in the Navy and Army in the reserve and active duty for 20 years. As an Army Chief Warrant Officer 4, he received numerous awards to include the Meritorious Service Medal as well as nine other medals. Commanding officers consistently described him as a calm, compassionate, outstanding leader of high moral courage. Civic-minded, Jerry served as city councilman and mayor in Newport, Minn., for 18 years. He ran unopposed in nearly every election. He was one of the first season-ticket holders for the Minnesota Vikings in the 1960s.

Jerry loved history and historical interpretation. He was the only one allowed to reenact Colonel Snelling at Historic Fort Snelling at that time. Jerry demonstrated historical farming practices to the public at Forestville State Park, Minn. He enjoyed antique cars and owned several.

Jerry regarded his role of family man as the most important. He was devoted to his wife Toni. Married for 55 years, he called her his “dear heart.” Both educators, they met in Chatfield and later retired there. Their love was special. They enjoyed estate sales, the Chatfield Brass Band, musicals, walking their dog and driving on back country roads. With Toni, he raised his family in the Catholic faith. As a father, Jerry tirelessly played ball, assisted with homework, read to them, tickled and gave whisker burns, and shared his recliner as they watched TV together. He planned summer vacations that were the family’s highlight of the year. In a tent camper, the family visited over 30 states, focusing on history, local cultures, and national parks.

Jerry is survived by his wife Toni, son Kurt and wife Amy, daughter Josie and husband Joe, daughter Katie, two grandchildren, Max and Tessa; sister Sharon and husband Gary. He is preceded in death by his father, mother, and infant son, Matthew.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m., Saturday, August 25, 2018, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chatfield, with Fr. Edward McGrath officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church.

The committal service with military honors accorded by Chatfield Giese-Kelsey VFW Post 6913 will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Chatfield. 

The family thanks the Chatfield Chosen Valley Care Center and Seasons Hospice for their service.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease Research.  https://www.michaeljfox.org/.

Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield is assisting the family with arrangements.  To share a memory with the family please visit www.rileyfuneralhomes.com.