Services for Dorothy Maxine Fritzel will be at 11am Friday, July 18, 2014 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Burial will be immediately following at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Dorothy passed away Friday, July 4, 2014 at Pioneer Ridge. She was born August 7, 1915 in Girard, KS, daughter of Albert & Anna Fitz Holcom. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Richard, and sister, Alberta.
Dorothy moved to Lawrence in 1935 and enrolled in Lawrence Business School. In November, 1937, Dorothy was offered a job which unbeknownst to her would be her career. She went to work at the Lawrence Journal World as Mr. W.C. Simon’s secretary and remained for 67 years until her retirement.
She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Altrusa, CW Chapter of PEO, Laureate Beta of Beta Sigma Phi, American Business Women’s Association, Westside Study club and many bridge clubs.
Dorothy married John Valentine Fritzel on June 28, 1938 and lived in the Lone Star area where their farm and Lone Star Lake house were happy destinations for many nieces, nephews and other children. She and John loved KU sports and when possible travelled to out of town games. After his death in 1977, she moved to Lawrence. She was a gracious, fun loving, generous, kind hearted “Lady” and is remembered by many friends and family throughout the country. She is survived locally by Gene Fritzel, Joel Fritzel, Gordon Chappell, Gwen Altic Leckron, Pam Altic-Van Roekel, family friend Glenn Johanning and many other extended Fritzel family members.
Visitation will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Thursday, July 17, from 6-8pm.
The family suggests memorials to Douglas County Visiting Nurses or the charity of your choice, in care of the funeral home.
I first met Dorothy thru our membership in Laureate Beta, Beta Sigma Phi. She was a wonderful, kind person, and an example for everyone to follow. Dorothy always spoke of the good in every person. I’m going to miss her so very much.
My thoughts, love and prayers go out to her family.
Sandy Nease
I got to know Dorothy when my mother Shirley Brandes worked with her at the Journal World. I recall visits with her and my mom, and then even as an adult I would see Dorothy and she always remembered who I was, I will always remember her beautiful smile, so grateful for her life. God Bless her family and friends as we grieve her passing….may you rest forever in peace now.
Dorothy was a wonderful lady and such a special friend to my mom, Virginia Dicker, who was a co-worker at the Journal World. Dorothy was always there for mom while she fought her battle with cancer and was a comfort to our family when mom lost the battle.
Gracious, classy lady-a wonderful role model.
Our deepest sympathy to Dorothy’s family.
Genea Wilson & Larry Evans
Wonderful woman, class act, kind to everyone. It was a pleasure to have known her. Thoughts are with her family.
A CLASS ACT, A WONDERFUL LADY AND A JOY TO KNOW AND A BLESSING TO CALL HER A FRIEND. SHE WAS ALWAYS SMILING AND ENCOURAGING AND GENTLY OFFERED ADVISE AND ALWAYS A KIND WORD. I CAN STILL SEE HER DRESSED TO THE NINES AND HIGH HEELS AND FLAWLESS!!!! SHE IS GRACING HEAVEN NOW WITH HER ANGELIC SMILE, IN MEMORY HERE SHARED NOW WITH ANGELS. LOVE YOU DOROTHY.
If we could all be like Dorothy, the world would be a better place for all. Always thinking of others needs, never her own. She will be greatly missed by all who truly knew her.
Dorothy was and is a great person who always had a smile and warm greetings and thoughts to every person she met. She always be in everyone’s hearts and mind.
Dorothy was one of the most gracious and kind people I have met. Our condolences to her family.
Dorothy was a very kind person to everyone she met. I have many good memories of times together. She was very close to her God, and there has been a special place awaiting her in Heaven. Her family and friends will miss her.
We are going to miss her, she was a good friend. I always enjoyed our visits.
I have so many fond memories of Dorothy. Such a sweetheart. She was like a member of the Simons family and I’m sure they miss her dearly.