Carroll Frederick Fritz

Carroll F. Fritz, 88, of Goshen, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 24, 2024 at the East Lake Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Elkhart, Indiana. A private celebration of life is planned for a future date.

Carroll's career in the building material sales field spanned over six decades, during which he made significant contributions to corporations like Frick Lumber, Wickes Lumber, Elkhart Lumber, Payless Cashways, Lowes Home Improvement, and Star Home Center. His amiable nature and extensive industry knowledge earned him the respect and admiration of numerous local contractors over the years.

Carroll was born on June 30, 1935, in Kendallville, Indiana, to August (Carl) and Ethel (Bailey) Fritz. He attended Rome City High School, where his considerable skill on the basketball court caught the eye of his future wife, Joyce (Garner) Fritz. They were married on February 25, 1956, in Albion, Indiana. The couple celebrated their 68th anniversary this past February.

Carroll and Joyce were blessed with five children, all of whom survive him: Deborah (Tim) Barwick of Mishawaka, Lori (Gary) Beber of Elkhart, David (Rebecca) Fritz of San Diego, California, Lesa Hershberger of Elkhart, and Linda (Chuck) Pieri of Middlebury. Their family continued to grow, with 20 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, all of whom held a special place in Carroll's heart.

Within minutes of meeting Carroll, his love for all sports would become apparent. A Little League coach for many seasons, he instilled the principles of hard work, strong character, integrity, and sportsmanship in the young players whose lives he irrevocably touched. Later in life, he took immense pride in watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren excelling in sporting events. A die-hard Cubs fan to the end, he cheerfully adopted the theory that “there’s always next year.” He also heralded the Peyton Manning era with the Indianapolis Colts, going as far as to name his beloved fur-baby Peyton Manning.

In addition to his wife and five children, Carroll is survived by two brothers, Wendell (Marcia) Fritz of Kendallville and James (Betty) Fritz of Elkhart, as well as a sister, Lois (Gary) Dennis of Fort Wayne. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, John (Doris) Fritz, North Bend, Washington, a great-grandson, Vincent (Vinny) Pieri, Indianapolis, and a son-in-law, Randy Hershberger, Elkhart.

Donations in Carroll’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project

Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with his care.

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