James “Jim” Fritz

Funeral services for James “Jim” Fritz, age 72, of Butte, NE, were held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 24, 2021, at Fairfax, SD, at the Community Hall with Pastor Glen Stahlecker officiating.

Burial was in Highland Cemetery in Fairfax, SD. Military honors were provided by American Legion Post 51 and United States Marine Corp Honor Guard. Brockhaus Funeral Home in Spencer, NE, was in charge of arrangements.

James R. Fritz, son of Roy H. and Hazel B. Fritz, was born April 3, 1949, at Burke, SD. He graduated from Fairfax High School in 1967 and served in the United States Marine Corp from June 18, 1969 until April 14, 1971. Jim served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He attended the University of Nebraska in 1971 and 1972 and then worked at Control Data in Omaha, NE, until he moved back to the family farm in 1974, when his parents moved to Butte.

On October 28, 1983, Jim was united in marriage to Gladys Goethals in Burke. Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, and going on cruises. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Naper and American Legion in Butte. He was also involved in a coin club in Burke.

Jim died Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at Avera Sister James Care Center in Yankton, SD.

Jim is survived by his wife Gladys; children, Monty Bailey of Omaha, NE, Anna (Robert) Polacek of Butte, NE, Chasity Tipton of Omaha, NE, and Tara Bailey of Omaha, NE; six grandchildren, Ryan (Amanda) Bailey of Omaha, NE, Ashley Whaley of O’Neill, NE, Brianna Carlisle of Omaha, Askia McChristian of Omaha, NE, Jodi Polacek of Butte, NE, and Victor Polacek of Butte, NE; three great-granddaughters; siblings, Sharyn (Sandor) Horvath of Parker, Colorado, Marlene (John) Parsons of Fairfax, SD, and Gail (Steve) Spencer of Bristow, NE.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Hazel; son, Alan; mother-in-law, Frances Goethals; sister-in-law, Marilee Goethals; and niece, Marissa Goethals.