Helen Del Jeanne Fritz

Helen Del Jeanne Fritz, age 78, of Escanaba, went to be with her Lord on Sunday morning, December 18, 2022 at home after a lengthy illness, surrounded by her family. She was born on May 16, 1944 in Escanaba, the daughter of Arthur and Dorothy (VanHorn) Olson. Helen was raised and attended school in Escanaba where she was a 1961 graduate of Escanaba High School. The former Helen Olson married James Fritz on September 7, 1963 in Escanaba, celebrating 59 years of marriage. For over 25 years, Helen was a full-time foster parent and ran the Delta County Girl’s Shelter/Foster Home. During this time, she focused on her family and cared for well over 100 girls in need and gave them a safe home to go to. Helen was also an avid and talented quilter. Each year during the holidays, she and her quilting group would make blankets and hats for the preemie babies in the area. Helen was strong in her faith as a Christian and instilled her values to her family. She also enjoyed doing handwork.

Helen is survived by her husband, James Fritz of Escanaba; children, Scott (Mary) Fritz of Escanaba, Gretchen (Brad) Levesque of Omaha, NE, Cara (Joel) Olson of Escanaba, Sam Fritz of Escanaba, Doug (Michelle) Fritz of Marinette, WI, and Sherie (Ken) Kirkpatrick of Beebe, AR; grandchildren, Heidi, Nate, Bekah, Noah, Kami, Mikiah, Abby, Isaiah, Rachel, Megan, Evert, Ryan, Jessica, Ashley, and Zac; great-grandchildren, Joey, Addie, Aven, Alden, Ryder, Deklynn, Haidyn, Merit Grace, Rhett, Slayton, and Caralee; sister, Birget (Jim) Ruotsala of Green Bay, WI; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her brother, Bill Olson; sisters, Mary and Margit; and her Aunt Honey and Uncle Mart.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Helen will follow at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel by Helen’s family. Burial will take place in Lakeview Cemetery. A Celebration of Life service will be held in the summer of 2023. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials please be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. 

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