Joan Fritz

Joan M. Fritz, 85, Wausau, died Friday, June 30, 2017 at the Northwinds Vent Care Unit at North Central Health Care, Wausau.

Joan was born October 31, 1931 in Wausau to the late Walter and Mildred (Baerwald) Gappa. She attended Wausau High School prior to marrying the love of her life, Donald "Buck" Fritz on August 24, 1949 in Red Wing, MN. The family was blessed with four children: Darrell, Duane, David and Diane. Joan and Buck celebrated 48 years together prior to his death on February 9, 1998.

Joan was a proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to whom family was always chief importance. Her home was always open to all her family and their friends and Joan happily babysat all of the grandchildren and many more neighborhood kids. Joan's wonderful cooking and insistence on clean plates always left the family well fed. At times, Joan could be stubborn and stern, but she was always very loving and had a wonderful sense of humor. In her early years, she enjoyed bowling and in the later years Joan went on many casino trips. Throughout her life, Joan had a great love of animals, especially her dogs. She was a lifetime member of the Eagles Club and avid fan of the Green Bay Packers.

Joan is survived by her loving children, Darrell (Peggy) Fritz of Rothschild, Duane (Judy) Fritz of Green Bay, David (Sharon) Fritz of Wausau and Diane (George) Poulos of Wausau; grandchildren, Derek Fritz, Kevin Hanson, Tracy (Dan) Heath, Hope (David) Linke, Ron (Michelle) Schlueter, David Jr. (Shelly) Fritz, Erin Fritz, Nick (Katie) Poulos, Amber Poulos, Chris (Becca) Poulos; 14 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her great-grandson, Tyler Linke; and brothers, Warren and Gerald "Jerry" Gappa.

The funeral service for Joan will be 12:00 PM on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the time of the funeral service. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Wausau following the funeral service. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guest book at helke.com.

Wholehearted thanks and appreciation goes to the staff of the Northwinds Vent Care Unit of North Central Health Care for their compassionate and tender care for Joan over the past few years of her life.