ROBERT EMIL FRITZ, age 93, of Worthington, died Monday, April 24, 2017, at the Sunset Hospice Cottage in Worthington. He was born December 28, 1923, in St. Kilian, to William and Veronica (Kuemper) Fritz. Bob attended school at St. Kilian Catholic School. He served his country from Jan. of 1943 to June of 1946 in the United States Army during WWII as a member of the 11th Airborne Division in the Pacific Theater where he was awarded the Bronze Star.

Bob married Shirley Ann Smith on June 30, 1953. The couple later divorced in 1971. Bob worked at Campbells Soup Co. in Worthington. He later worked as a plumber in the Garvin area for many years.

He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Worthington; the Worthington American Legion; and the Worthington VFW. He enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins, the news & world events, traveling in his younger years and spending time with his family.

Bob is survived by his seven children, Barb (Dennis) Hebig, Wilmont; Pam (Rod) Mastbergen, Worthington; Ronald (Rhonda) Fritz, Colorado Springs, CO; Laurie (Dennis Mastbergen) Klenken, Worthington; Bob (Laurie) Fritz, Sioux Falls, SD; Julie (Larry) Bixby, Brandon, SD; and Becky (Kim) Johnson, Worthington; fourteen grandchildren, Travis (Jenny) Hebig, Sarah (T.J.) Gertsema, Amber Fritz, Abby Vanden Kamp, Ryan Isle, Eric (Jen) Klenken, Heather Mastbergen, April (Lamin) Janfo, Shawn Fritz, Megan Fritz, Jen (Josh) DeBlieck, Kyle Johnson, Allyson Johnson & Katelyn Johnson; seventeen great grandchildren; and two sisters, Mary Ann (Arlis) Osen, Mitchell, SD; and Peggy Saxton, Tracy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Andy Mastbergen; two great grandchildren, Alyssa Murray & Isaac Gertsema; son-in-law, Ron Klenken; three brothers; and two sisters.

A Memorial Service will be Friday at 1 pm at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Worthington, officiated by Fr. James Callahan & Deacon Vern Behrends. A time of fellowship will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Friday. A private family burial of cremains will be at a later date.