Clarence John Fritsch

Clarence “Jack” J Fritsch, age 97 of La Crosse passed away Thursday, December 5, 2024. He was born in Wabeno, Wisconsin March 30, 1927, the son of Stella (Clevette) and Clarence Fritsch.

Jack was amazing in all roles of his life. He was 97 and a half years young and came from a time when life was simpler. He never flew in an airplane, but still managed to travel across the world by ship. He was a WWII Navy veteran whose job was to steer (among other things) his LSM ship through the Panama Canal and across the Pacific Ocean to land in Japan (arrive right after the bomb dropped).

After the war he met his beloved Harriet when he had a short stay in the hospital. She was his nurse. His pick-up line to her was “I wonder what color eyes our kids will have.” They married June 13, 1953 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.

He loved his parents, especially his mom, he loved all dogs, and all his cars - always in mint condition. He collected antique fans (possibly over 100 of them), he loved to shop and appreciated all things quality, he loved his music and doing research on his computer, he loved Kwik Trip and getting his daily paper and coffee, dinner at Schmidty’s and yearly reunions with classmates in Wabeno. All this while fashionably dressed in his perfectly ironed khaki pants. Jack was a member of the American Legion Post #52 in La Crosse.

He loved most, his wife Harriet, the family they created, his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was an emotional man in the best way. Teary eyed when saying good byes.

“Now we say goodbye to you Grandpa-go be with Grandma”- she’s been waiting!

He is survived by children: Jed Fritsch, Mary Bakalars, Jennine Fritsch, and Alane (Michael Henthorne) Bartlett; grandchildren: Daniel (Jenny Crail) Bakalars, Laura (Justin) Goetzke, Ahna (Mitch Chatterton) Bartlett, and Gina (Rick Schneider) Fritsch; great-grandchildren, Ari, Adalayna and Holden Bakalars and Juliana, Emma and Sawyer Goetzke; son-in-law Jeff Bartlett and daughter-in-law Ann Morrisette; brother-in-law, John C. Fletcher and sister-in-law, Rae E. Lyons. 

Jack is preceded in death by his wife, Harriet, granddaughter, Jill Bakalars, son-in-law, Dan Bakalars and brother, Ronald Fritsch.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, December 13th at Mary, Mother of the Church, 2006 Weston Street, La Crosse. Wisconsin. Friends and family may call for a visitation one hour prior to the Mass. Interment will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery following the Mass.