Frederick J. "Fritz" Ehinger

Frederick J. “Fritz” Ehinger, age 92 of West Branch passed away at his home on Sunday, February 10, 2013. Fritz was born July 6, 1920 in West Branch, the son of Anthony and Elizabeth Ehinger. Fritz had lived in West Branch for all of his life. He was a past Grand Knight and member of the K of C #2022, a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, a lifetime member of the National Trappers Association and Michigan Trappers Association. He also served as a trustee for West Branch Township, a former director of the Ogemaw County Community Credit Union and a board member of the Ogemaw County Soil Conservation. Fritz served in the U.S. Army serving in the Pacific Theater during WWII. He was a partner in the Ehinger Brothers Excavating Company and was an avid fisherman. Fritz is survived by his children, Michael (Verna) Ehinger, Richard (Jody) Ehinger, Joyce (Peter) Swartz and Mark (Kathie) Ehinger all of West Branch and Laurie (William) Morris of Stanford, MT, 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and his brother Jerry (Joanie) Ehinger of West Branch. Also is surviving are his sisters in law, Nancy Ehinger, Georgina Ehinger and Jane Ehinger. He was preceded in death by his wife Gladys in 2002, his daughter Brenda in 1963 and his brothers Roy, Delbert, August, William, Edward and Jack and his sisters Marie, Donna and Doris. Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 from 2-9 p.m. with a Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. and a K of C Rosary at 7:30 p.m. On Thursday, February 21, 2013 Fritz will lie in state at St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch beginning at 10:00a.m. until the time of the Mass at 11:00 a.m. Fr. Patrick Maher will officiate with Military honors. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, West Branch in the spring. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus #2022, West Branch.