Donald R. Fritz

Donald R. Fritz died on May 27, 2024 peacefully at home in St. Petersburg, FL.

Don was born in Milwaukee, WI and raised by a single mother.  He earned his Master’s in Social Work in 1966 and his Master’s in Theology in 2001.  Don was a self-made man, growing up very poor but determined. He co-founded and grew a mental and behavioral healthcare management company that thrived in five states.

Don was preceded in death by his late spouse, Ken Buehler but was fortunate to have met and married Timothy Lanz.  Together they enjoyed a loving relationship and life that included laughter, friends, and a close church community.

Don was a gentle man who had perfect timing to throw a zinger in the conversation to gain a roar from those around him.  He loved to travel and watched PBS for ideas to plan their next adventure; spending summers in Door County, WI; and thoroughly enjoyed his “happy hour,” wherever he was, with friends and a good cocktail.  Don and Tim liked to celebrate their birthdays with friends, many times in a large gathering.  Don was well-read on religion, history, and geography.

There will be a funeral visitation in Milwaukee at The Chapel at St. John’s on the Lake (1840 North Prospect Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin) on Saturday, June 8, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with a funeral service to follow.

A Celebration of Don’s life will take place on September 28, 2024 at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter in St. Petersburg, FL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Christ the King – Holy Nativity Episcopal Church (P.O. Box 828, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235) or Suncoast Hospice Foundation (suncoasthospicefoundation.org), who gave Don tremendous care.