He was born on Jan. 17, 1916 in Fort Atkinson to Henry and Louise (nee Nietzel) Wendt. He married Margaret E. Oaklief on Sept. 29, 1948 in Lancaster. Fritz served his country in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, entering on Aug. 16, 1941. He was honorably discharged from service as a sargeant on Oct. 4, 1945 after serving 33 months in the Panama Canal Zone and the remaining time at Wright Field in Dayton, Ohio. He worked for AA Schmidt for 12 years and was a Union Steamfitter Local #601 in Milwaukee. Fritz was a member of Internationsl ‘DN’ Ice Yachting Association, the National Rifle Association since 1937, and First United Methodist Church in Hartford.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Margaret; two children, David and Debra Wendt, both of Hartford; three grandchildren, Alissa, Joshua and Matthew; and two sisters, Louise Hartmann of Las Vegas and Carolyn Sachse of Sparta. He is further survived by other relatives and friends.

Fritz was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers-in-law, Charles Hartmann and Tom Sachse.

Memorial Services will be held on Friday, Dec. 17, 2004 at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 738 W. Monroe Ave., Hartford. Family will greet relatives and friends on Friday from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Church.

Inurnment Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Hartford.

Memorials to First United Methodist Church appreciated.

Shimon Funeral Home is assisting the family.