Fritz, Mary Lou (Riha) 1951 - 2020

FRITZ, RIHA, SCHNEBERGER, KIMBALL, NIERLING, THULSON

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 12/27/2020 at 12:27:04

Mary Fritz, age 69, of Protivin, IA, died Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at MercyOne Medical Center in Mason City, IA.

Mary Lou Riha was born on November 5, 1951, in Decorah, IA, the daughter of Clarence Sr. and Verena (Schneberger) Riha. She graduated from Turkey Valley Community School in 1970. She then attended NICC in Calmar and graduated with a degree in interior decoration.

Set up on a blind date by friends at Mabel Steam Engine Days in 1968, Mary met her future husband, Ronald “Ron” Fritz. On August 11, 1973, Mary was united to Ron at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin. The couple lived in Little Turkey, New Hampton, and eventually made their home in Protivin; where they have been since 1976.

Mary worked for Sara Lee 28 years until their closing in 2000. She then went to NICC in Calmar and received her Computer Application Technician certificate in 2004. Mary worked for Wal-Mart retiring after 7 years due to her health.

She enjoyed going out with friends, either to go “find a bargain” or to eat – sometimes being gone all day. Mary kept her hands busy making crafts and floral decorations, and liked watching birds especially cardinals. Most of all, Mary loved spending time with her family. She was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Holly Hobby Homemakers Club, Birthday Club, and American Legion Auxiliary.

Mary is survived by her loving husband Ron; her son Chad (Michele) Fritz of Sioux Falls, SD, and their children Mason and Chloe, son Aaron Fritz (special friend) of Newton, IA, and his children Keisha and Leah, daughter Lisa (Chris) Kimball of Cresco, IA; sister Betty Nierling of Cedar Rapids, IA; brother Clarence Jr. “Bud” (Sandy) Riha of Harpers Ferry, IA; brother-in-law Joe (Venita) Fritz of Arnold, MO, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother and sister-in-law Stan (Bette) Riha, brother-in-law Jerry Nierling, and great niece Kirsten Thulson.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 23, 2020, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Fr. Jacob Rouse officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, November 22, at Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home in Protivin, and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church Monday.

Due to new COVID-19 restrictions, masks are required in the funeral home and church, 6 foot social distancing will be practiced along with a maximum of 15 people in the funeral home at a time during the visitation on Sunday. We ask that the public please be patient as we direct people through the building.

Source: Hindt Funeral Home database

Holy Trinity Cemetery
 

Howard Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
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