Bruce C. Fritz, 72, of North Platte, passed away September 9th, 2022 at his home. Bruce was born on August 12, 1950 in Great Falls, Montana to Donald R. and Dorothy M. (Jensen) Fritz.
Bruce attended several schools in Montana, as they moved a lot with his father’s job at Great Northern Railroad. Bruce graduated from Hogeland High School in June of 1968. He then attended University of Montana for one year. Bruce worked on farms and ranches throughout his high school days.
Bruce enlisted in the United States Navy in November of 1969 and this became his life career. He had two reasons for joining the Navy: the first being that his grandfather Chris Jensen was killed in WWII when his ship, the USS Indianapolis was sunk by a Japanese torpedo and the second reason was that he was intrigued by all the places the Navy went. When Bruce enlisted, he was assigned to Port Operations Department in Key West, Florida. He was assigned boat engineer of the Caribbean Forces. In 1972, Bruce transferred to the USS Orion in Charleston, South Carolina, while waiting for the formation of the PCU Mount Baker. In 1972, Bruce was deployed to the first “Med Cruise” on the USS Mount Baker. He served on the USS Howard W. Gilmore, USS Recovery, USS Harlan County, USS Papago, and the USS Typhoon. Bruce attended many schools during his Naval career. On September 1, 1997, Bruce retired from the Navy as a Chief Warrant Officer CWO-4, the highest rank an enlisted man could reach.
Bruce met Peggy Ann Pence and was united in marriage in July of 1979 in Cincinnati, Ohio. They enjoyed 33 years together until her passing on March 27th, 2012. Bruce grew up in rural Montana where he pursued his favorite hobbies of hunting and fishing which he continued to enjoy throughout his life. Bruce was an animal lover, especially Beagles. He loved and cared for several Beagles, most of them rescued from the Beagle Rescue of Virginia. Because of his love for animals, Bruce went on to become a veterinary tech for Paws Clinic in Virginia Beach. Gardening was another hobby Bruce enjoyed. He was a Master Gardener and he helped his wife Peggy with plant propagation.
Bruce leaves behind a son, Chris (Cindi) Alsobrook of Seattle, Washington; brothers, Byron (Diane) Fritz of North Platte, Paul (Sandy) Fritz of Great Falls, Montana; nieces, Dina (Landon) Smith of Great Falls, Montana, Marilyn Michaelson of Van Buren, Maine; nephew, Kyle (Michele) Fritz of Shelton, Washington; great niece, Madison Smith; special friend, Pat Porter; numerous other family members and many friends.
Bruce was preceded in death by wife, Peggy Fritz; daughter, Nichole Fritz; parents, Don and Dorothy Fritz.
Graveside services will be held 2:00 P.M., Thursday, October 20th, 2022 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, with Pastor Bob Deardoff officiating. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.