CSM LeRoy Wilbur Fritzen US Army

July 29, 1931 - December 18, 2018

CSM LeRoy Wilbur Fritzen, US Army, Retired, passed away on Tuesday, December 18, 2018, in Tallahassee, Florida. Mr. Fritzen was born on July 29, 1931, in Michigan City, Indiana, to the late LeRoy W. and Isabel (Christenson) Fritzen. He was married to Treva Mae Sliger on August 9, 1952, and their love endured for sixty-three years until her death on November 12, 2015. Together they raised three daughters, Theresa (deceased), Brenda (Joe) Helms and Ramona. Inducted into the U.S. Army in August 1952, he attended training at Ft. Bliss, Texas. He was then assigned to the 62 nd Anti-Aircraft Battalion, Grafenwoehr, Germany. Upon release from active duty, he immediately joined the U.S. Army Reserve. His numerous assignments included infantry, field artillery, USAR School and military police units. Promoted to Sergeant Major in 1977, SGM Fritzen was then appointed to Command Sergeant Major in 1980. His retirement from the 400th MP POW Camp came upon reaching thirty-five years of service. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with Bronze Oak Leak Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with Third Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal with Device, Army Occupational Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 10 Year Device. Upon release from active duty, Mr. Fritzen was employed by the Farm Bureau Co-Op which included sales of Oliver Farm Equipment. In October 1970, he began his Civil Service Career as a small arms repairman. His Civil Service employment later included administrative and training positions served concurrently with his military service. Mr. Fritzen retired from Civil Service on March 31, 1993. While working full time and serving in the USAR, Mr. Fritzen attended night classes at Lively Vo-Tech in cabinet making/woodworking. Upon his civilian retirement, Mr. Fritzen worked in a home maintenance/repair business. He was a Life Member in the Handyman Club of America. He spent many hours in his home workshop crafting woodworking projects. LeRoy leaves behind daughters, Brenda and Ramona; siblings, Eleanor Huenecke, Eloise Bush, Diane (George) Glassman and Charles (Shirley) Fritzen. LeRoy also leaves behind grandchildren, Christine Mills, Kali Mills (Nate), Robert (Lauren) Helms, Kathrinne Helms, Cynthia Helms (Adam) and Timothy Helms; great-grandchildren, Jasmine Landers (Ethan), Savannah McLoughlin, Dominique Escamilla, Lulayla Allan, twins, Robert Helms, Jr. and Evelyn Helms; and a great-great-granddaughter, Bree McLoughlin. He also leaves behind his cherished cat Tuxedo. Preceding him in death in addition to daughter, Theresa, is his sister, Betty Fritzen and his granddaughter, Jennifer McLoughlin. The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to Miranda with Hopewell In-Home Senior Care and Patrice and Terry with Covenant Care Hospice for all the extended support they provided. They would also like to recognize Dr. Whit Oliver for his years of medical care. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 PM, Friday, December 28, 2018, at Abbey Funeral Home with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 PM. Interment with full military honors will immediately follow at Tallahassee Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either Covenant Care Hospice or ECAH Animals, Inc. Online condolences may be expressed at www.abbeyfh.com.