Mitchell James Fritz

Mitchell James Fritz

1962 – 2026

SMITH CENTER, KANSAS - Mitchell James Fritz, 64, of Smith Center, Kansas, passed away Friday, June 5, at his home from complications with cancer. A visitation was held at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, Smith Center, Kansas, on Monday, June 15, 2026, with the family present. Memorials were given to the Smith County Memorial Hospital, Smith Center, Kansas. A private family graveside service was held at the Holstein Cemetery on Friday, June 19. Memorials will be given to the American Legion Dessel- Schmidt Post # 225 of Holstein.

Mitch was born June 3, 1962, in the Sioux Valley Hospital, Cherokee, to Don and Margene Fritz of Holstein. He was baptized and confirmed in the St Paul Lutheran Church, Holstein. He was active in all sports offered in Holstein, including swimming, baseball, and basketball. Mitch graduated from Holstein High School in 1980.

On his 18th birthday, his parents took him to Sioux Falls, SD, where he entered the United States Navy. The next 16 years were spent in the service of his country. Mitch said when he first enlisted, he felt he could save everyone. He soon found out that was not to be. During this time, he was married briefly to Cheri Cass of Washington state. They later divorced.

Mitch loved a challenge. This is when he became a member of the Navy SAR Team (Sea and Air Rescue) and traveled with the marine med teams for the first 12 years traveling either by rescue helicopters or on ships. He was stationed twice in Okinawa, Japan, then Hawaii, and Mc Murdo Air Force Base, South Pole (his choice for four years). His last enlistment, the ceremony was at Pearl Harbor.

Living a military life had been part of his life for those 16 years. Becoming a civilian was a big adjustment, like it had/has been for so many. This is when he met Mona Johnson, who became his friend and companion for over 25 years. They lived in Colorado and then moved to Smith Center, Kansas, where Mitch became the road commissioner for Smith County, Kansas. He loved his job and took pride in trying to do his best at his job. Mona's health began to deteriorate as the years went by, and she passed away April 3, 2024. This is also about the time when Mitch discovered he had cancer. He was forced to stop working because of the cancer and concentrate on his health. This was the last battle for Mitch and one he could not conquer.

Mitch is survived by his mom, Margene of Holstein, brother Mike of Runnels, IA, nephew Cole of Aurora, CO, sister and brother-in-law Cindy and Kelly Sampson of Ankeny, IA. Uncle, Dean Goettsch of Flemington, NJ, aunt, Marilyn Drum, of Remsen, IA, aunt Kathy Fritz, of Volga, SD.

He was preceded in death by his friend and companion Mona, his dad, Don, his grandparents Bill and Helen Goettsch and Carl and Arva Fritz, uncle Dennis Fritz, uncle and aunt Wayne and Doris Goettsch, aunt and uncle LaVonne and Ralph Campbell, aunt Pat Goettsch, uncle Dale Drum.