A Private Family Funeral Mass for Joe Fritz, age 85, of O'Neill will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill. Burial will be in the O'Neill Cemetery with Military Rites provided by the O'Neill American Legion Simonson Post 93. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Joe passed away on Monday, August 31, 2020 at the Arbor Care Center in O'Neill, NE. Biglin's Mortuary of O'Neill is in charge of arrangements.

Joseph Leo Fritz was born on March 20, 1935 near Elgin, Nebraska to William and Eva (Gregor) Fritz. He attended country school through the eighth grade. Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1955. He served as a Medical Tech in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was honorably discharged in 1957, when he returned to Nebraska.

Joe married Loreen McDermot on September 27, 1958 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill. To this union, six children were born, Thomas, Nancy, Regina, Jeanne, Maria, and Matt. The couple made their home in Norfolk, where he worked for Northwest Electric as an apprentice, then as a licensed electrician until 1966. They then moved to O'Neill where Joe started Midwest Electric, owning it until retiring in 2003, after working as an electrician for over 50 years.

Joe enjoyed fishing, wood working, his vegetable garden, playing Sudoku, and watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. He was very handy and could fix anything. He also loved building clocks. Joe was a good person and was well thought of in the community. He loved his family dearly, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Joe was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill.

Joseph is survived by his wife of 61 years, Loreen Fritz, of O'Neill; children, Tom Fritz of Lincoln, NE, Nancy (Dan) Moore of Norfolk, NE, Jeanne (Joe) Wegner of Fremont, NE, Maria (Jeff) Muff of Morse Bluff, NE, Matt Fritz of Salt Lake City, UT; six grandchildren, Ashlea (Jason) Smith, Brittany (Curtis) Newland, Jaden (Brice) Hattery, Zachary Wegner, Christopher Wegner, Morgan Wegner; six great grandchildren, Kennady Smith, Jake Smith, Dawson Smith, Carter Smith, Mason Newland, Charlie Newland; siblings, Don (Nadine) Fritz of Montana, George (Bonnie) Fritz of Norfolk, NE, Sr. Eva Fritz of Omaha, NE, Alice Stodola of Norfolk, NE; sister-in-law, Candy Fritz of Osmond, NE; and many nieces and nephews.

Joseph is preceded in death by his parents, William and Eva Fritz; daughter, Regina Susan Fritz in 1965; brothers, Bill (Mary Lou) Fritz, Francis (Mildred) Fritz, Jim Fritz; and parents-in-law, Dominic and Elva McDermot.