Joseph C. Fritsch's Obituary
Joseph C. Fritsch, age 81 of Batesville, died Tuesday, February 12, 2013, at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. The son of Irene (Nee: Schoetmer) and Elmer Fritsch, he was born in Batesville May 31, 1931. He married Joan Siefert May 12, 1956 at St. Louis Church and she preceded him in death December 30, 2003. Joe served in the Army Medical Corps during the Korean War. After the service he spent 32 years as a salesman for Romweber Furniture and 23 years as a part time clerk for the Batesville Liquor Store. He was a member of St. Louis Church, the Knights of Columbus Council #1461, the Knights of St. John Commandery #243, the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271 and the Rosie Reds.Joe found hobbies that became passions for him. A huge Reds fan, he hadn’t missed an opening day game in the last forty years. He enjoyed traveling and regularly made trips to spring training. An avid card player, he was accomplished at Solo, 7up, 500 and poker. Joe was very active in both the Knights of Columbus and the Knights of St. John. A past Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus and a past Commander of the Knights of St. John’s, he has held many of the offices for both organizations through the years. Other interests included reading, needlepoint and a love for music, although the kids indicated that love didn’t translate into being a good dancer. He also enjoyed sitting out on the deck with maybe a cigar or a martini, but most certainly the Reds game on the radio. According to his family he was an excellent cheesecake baker and enjoyed almost every type of food except peas. Joe also gave unselfishly of his time and talents. Many will remember his decades’ long involvement running the general raffle for the St. Louis festival as well as working countless Super Sunday Bingos. Relationships were important to Joe. He stayed in touch with high school classmates and army buddies alike and looked forward to reunions. The relationship he most treasured was with his family. A proud grandpa, he loved being a part of his grandchildren’s activities, special events and birthdays. He especially cherished spending Christmas with loved ones. He is survived by his daughter Paula Fritsch of Avon, Indiana; sons Michael (Rita) of Batesville, Stephen (Jane) of Dwight, Illinois, Thomas of Batesville and three grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife and parents. Visitation is Friday, February 15th, from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home with a rosary service at 4 p.m. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Saturday, February 16th at St. Louis Church with Rev. Randy Summers officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military rites conducted by the Batesville V.F.W. Post #3183 and the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271. The family requests memorials to the Batesville E.M.S. 10 or Gibault School.
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