Mitchell James Fritz, 64, of Smith Center, Kansas, passed away Saturday, June 6, 2026, at his home from complications with cancer.
Mitch was born June 3, 1962, in the Sioux Valley Hospital, Cherokee, IA to Don and Margene Fritz of Holstein, IA. He was baptized and confirmed in the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Holstein, IA. He was the second child, with an older brother, Mike, and younger sister, Cindy, to be born to them. He was active in all sports offered in Holstein, including swimming, baseball, basketball, and football. Mitch graduated from Holstein High School in 1980.
On his 18th birthday his parents took him to Sioux Falls, SD. where he entered the United States Navy. The next 16 years were spent in the service for his country. Mitch said when he first enlisted he felt he could save everyone. He soon found out that was not to be..... During this time he was married briefly to Cheri Cass of Washington state. They later divorced.
Mitch loved a challenge. This is when he became a member of the Navy SAR team (Sea and Air Rescue) and traveled with the marine medical teams for the first 12 years of service. He traveled with them either by rescue helicopter or on ships in the ocean. He was stationed twice in Okinawa, Japan, then Hawaii, and Mc Murdo Air Force Base, South Pole (this was his choice for 4 years) His last enlistment ceremony was at Pearl Harbor.
Living a military life had been part of his life for 16 years. Becoming a civilian was a big adjustment, like it had/has been for so many service members. This is when he met Mona Johnson, who became his friend and companion for over 25 years. They lived in CO and then moved to Smith Center, KS where Mitch became the road commissioner for Smith County, KS. He loved his job and took pride in trying to do his best at his job. Mona's health began to deteriorate as the years went by and she passed away April 3, 2024. This is also about the time when Mitch discovered he had cancer. He was forced to stop working because of the cancer and concentrate on his health. This was the last battle for Mitch and one he could not conquer.
Mitch is survived by his mom, Margene, of Holstein, brother, Mike, of Runnels, IA, nephew Cole of Aurora, CO, sister and brother-in-law Cindy and Kelly Sampson, of Ankeny, IA. uncle Dean Goettsch, of Flemington, NJ, aunt, Marilyn Drum of Remsen, IA, aunt Kathy Fritz, of Volga, SD.
He was preceded in death by his friend and companion, Mona Johnson, his dad, Don, his grandparents Bill and Helen Goettsch and Carl and Arva Fritz, uncle Dennis Fritz, uncle and aunt Wayne and Doris Goettsch, aunt and uncle La Vonne and Ralph Campbell, aunt Pat Goettsch, and uncle Dale Drum.
A book signing and visitation will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026, from 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m., with the family present to greet friends at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS. Inurnment will take place in the Holstein Cemetery, Holstein, Iowa at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Smith County Memorial Hospital and can be sent in care of the funeral chapel.