Otto "Fritz" Erdrich

Otto “Fritz” Erdrich age 93 passed away on January 31, 2021. Fritz was born August 11, 1927 in Elmore, Minnesota to Louis and Liesel Erdrich. Fritz was a graduate of Little Falls High School, attended Business School in Minneapolis, MN, and was a member of the Armed Forces Navy Division.

Fritz married Lorraine Sendziak on July 5, 1952 in Bismark, ND., they recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. Fritz was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, great-uncle and Godfather. Fritz’s career was with Swift-Eckrich for 40 years, and after his retirement, he started his second career with Norlen Inc. – selling Tommy Docks for 4 years. Following his second retirement, Fritz and Lorraine moved to Bradenton Florida where they enjoyed golf on a daily basis, always returning to Schofield for the summer to enjoy the Wausau Country Club. Fritz was an avid gardener who always shared his prize winning tomatoes with friends and neighbors, along with that, he loved the outdoors by way of fishing, hunting, skiing and golfing - passions he shared with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. One of his favorite past-times was his hobby – Lionel trains. When grandchildren would visit, you could always find them with grandpa running his trains - earning him the endearing name “Papa Choo Choo”.

Fritz always supported his children in what their passions were, as well as his grandchildren and great grandchildren – you could always find Fritz and Lorraine attending various sporting events, and school related activities that the grandchildren and great grandchildren were participating in. He had endless heartfelt stories to share with everyone he met– he was so proud of all of them. The love for life that Fritz had was infectious to everyone around him, and made apparent through his loud claps, and his booming voice.

Fritz was a member of St Therese Church where he was an usher for many years, a member of Saints Peter and Paul Church (Bradenton Fl.), a member of the Knights of Columbus, The American Legion, and had the opportunity to participate in The Honor Flight, which recognizes veterans from all over the United States.

Fritz is survived by his wife Lorraine of 68 years, daughters Mary Hanz (Jeff), Anne O’Dell (Jeff), sons John (Kris), Paul (LaNell), 8 grandchildren Katrina Treutelaar (Justin), Jay Hanz (Annie), Aaron Erdrich, Emily Drane (Andrew), Ryan O’Dell (Kristina), Alexis Handel, Brice Erdrich, Shai Erdrich, along with 6 great grandchildren and was proceeded in death by his parents Louis and Liesel, brothers Emil, Ralph, and Bob.

Services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at St Therese Catholic Church, 113 W. Kort St Schofield, WI. The Rev. Joseph Albert will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service all at the church. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be directed to the family at www.bestefh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in the name of Otto Fritz Erdrich may be made to Circle of Joy Foodbank at St Therese Church in Schofield, or The Never Forgotten Honor Flight via website, or 225780 Rib Mountain Drive #234 Wausau, WI 54401