Charles A. Fritz Sr., 93, of Dowagiac, passed away peacefully at 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, May 6, 2010, at Lakeland Specialty Hospital in Berrien Center.

Charles was born on Oct. 21, 1916, to John and Vina (Hobbs) Fritz.

Charles married Audrey Rosa (Taylor) Fritz of Lawton on Feb. 27, 1937.

They were married 59 years until her death on April 25, 1996.

Survivors are: children, Sharon (Fred) Clarke, Donald (Jane Fox) Fritz, Diane (Ron) First and Bruce (Pam Ganger) Fritz and daughter-in-law Bonnie (Deming) Fritz.

Other survivors include: a sister, Christine Bowman of Dowagiac; and sisters-in-law Joyce Fritz of Dowagiac, Ann Coombs of Lawton and Deloris Taylor of Baldwin.

There are also 13 loving grandchildren: Pam Graham, Vicki (Chris) Colvin, Fred (Melissa) Clarke, Lisa (Clarence) Krietz II, Donna Fritz, Jody (Mike) Gantt, Jamie (Liz) First, Steve Fritz, Ann (Scott) Gray, Beth Kovalska, Ryan (Karen) Fritz and Reggie Fritz; 17 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were grandson Jeffrey Fritz, daughter and son-in-law Joan and Jim Keen, son Charles Fritz Jr. and three brothers, Clarence, Leon, and Albert, and two sisters, Rose Dine and Mable Dings.

Charles worked for Heddon Bait Co. for many years. He also worked as a supervisor for Jessup Door Co., from which he retired.

Charles loved to hunt and fish and spend time up north at his cabin with family and relatives. Donations may be made to Lakeland Specialty Hospital, 6418 Deans Hill Road, Berrien Center, MI 49102-9704 or Hospice at Home, 4017 Chamberlain Road, Buchanan, MI 49107.

Visitation will be Monday, May 10, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel followed by the service led by Pastor Patti Haas. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery immediately following the service. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Charles at www.yazel-clark.com.