All my happy memories of us role-playing back in the 1980's. I already miss you my friend. Rest In Peace.

Though I did not know him well, I found Harry to be a worldly and wise individual, full of good advice and kindness. During my time at MSU, he gave this broke former college student more than one ride to see my family in Saint Joseph.

I know I speak for all of us gamers who make the twice-yearly pilgrimage to Mur Manor when I say, he will be sorely missed at our tables.

Nathan Meister (Friend)

I knew Harry through a semiannual  gaming event at the home of a mutual friend.  He was always a great competitor, especially at poker.  I will miss him and will be sure to raise a glass in his memory at our next event.  

I am deeply saddened to hear of Harry's passing. I had spoken with him sometime this fall and exchanged some text messages during the time he was undergoing back surgery. Then I didn't hear from him for over a month. Today I decided to call to see how his recovery was going.

Harry was a guest in our home twice a year for a big gathering of gamers. His ready wit, competitive spirit and sense of fair play made him a welcome opponent, and he was a darned good cook, too.

Harry, I'll look forward to a big poker game in the hereafter. You'll be the dealer with the biggest pile of chips!

My sympathy to Harry's family, friends, and co-workers.  I worked with Harry on a Lottery project in 2012-13.  I enjoyed getting to know him and appreciated his knowledge, humor and kindness.   He will be missed.      Rolly Tolly.

I am very sorry to hear of Harry's passing,  and wish you peace at this difficult time.

I interviewed with Harry for my job at Lottery, and from the instant I met him, I knew he was a kind soul. He was an excellent teacher, easy to talk to, had great patience, and always ready to help. 

He was a warm and caring person, and I will miss him.

I am shocked by the news of Harry’s passing. Harry had a great personality and instantly made you want to be his friend. He was very dedicated to his work and always landed a hand to everyone who needs.  We not just had fun to work together, but also chat together. Harry will be missed. My prayers and thoughts go out to Harry's family at this sad time!

I always enjoyed talking with Harry.  He had a great sense of humor and a very thorough approach to solving problems.   His stories were fascinating and he always had a story to share!  

Harry was so generous with sharing his gifts and talents with others. I am thankful that our paths crossed at work and I was able to know him. 

Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss.

I've only known Harry for a fraction of time compared to other people at Lottery, but in that time, I've always known Harry as an individual who was always willing to help and support others around him. This is a tremendous lost that is extremely sudden and tragic. Thank you for everything you've done Harry, I'll miss you.

I still in shock of this news of Harry's passing. Harry was a great person and I enjoyed all the years working with him.  He always let me know when he had Wharton tickets and we also enjoyed a few shows together.  I loved hearing of his travels especially his trips to Germany.  Your family is in my prayers during this difficult time. 

I was very shocked and saddened to learn of Harry's passing.  I also worked with Harry at the Michigan Lottery.  I agree with Lorrie Dundon, that Harry was an integral part of Lottery.  The Programming Division is facing a big void right now.  One of the things that Harry and I bonded over was local theatre.  We would chat about his love of Wharton Center.  We talked about an original play I was doing at Riverwalk Theatre about ten years ago.  I was pleased to learn he attended it and enjoyed it.  I appreciated his feedback.  

My condelences to the Fratzke during this difficult time.  He will be missed.  RIP.  

I am so saddened to hear of Harry’s passing.  His parents and mine were great friends over the years.  Harry was my square dancing partner in 4th grade and I remember playing touch football in my background....we were both terrible at both!!!!  My heart aches for his Mom and Dad...such wonderful people.  


I am deeply saddened by the loss of Harry. One of my first memories was over 30 years ago at a retirement party  for a fun lady known for her dazzling outfits.  Guests all dressed in their most colorful attire. Harry and I were both new to the Lottery and he attended wearing a fabulous pink tuxedo.

When the Lottery moved to the new Hillsdale building I was fortunate to share a room with analysts Pam Gnodtke and Nancy MacGuiness. As a programmer, Harry was in Nancy’s office every day developing the Instant Ticket system.  In time he became the primary analyst for that system. 

Decades later Harry became a critical resource for the Charitable Gaming system that Pam developed.  He spent recent years assisting the CG staff in documenting the system and planning for an eventual replacement using newer more efficient technologies. While the process was lengthy,  we were all lucky to have spent many weeks, months, and even years with Harry.

For twenty winters Harry played in Lottery’s annual Euchre tournaments. He enjoyed participating in Lottery celebrations and fundraisers because he truly enjoyed mingling with others and had a generous heart. Harry was an integral part of the Michigan Lottery and it will never be the same.

My deepest sympathies to all who loved Harry. May God bring you peace.



I am so deeply saddened to hear of Harry's passing.  I worked with Harry at the Lottery building for the past 20 years.  From the first time I met him he's always been quick to lend a helping hand and patient at that.  He had the most incredible memory.  I don't think he ever forgot anything he read or learned.  I will miss him at our daily team meetings; even more I will miss our morning talks when life gets back to normal and we are back in the office working!  He was a kind friend, co-worker and mentor!  
My prayers and condolences go out to Harry's family and friends at this sad time!  May God be a source of comfort and strength for you all!  Rest In Peace Harry!  

I am extremely saddened to learn of the passing of my friend and colleague.

My greatest memory of Harry will be during those endless, tedious user story meetings he never lost patience and was always ready with an insight no one had thought of before.   He was very generous with his time and quick to help whenever I asked.  I will miss our morning chats about Cape Cod, Downton Abbey, and current events.  But mostly I will miss my friend.

I met Harry when volunteering at WKAR he was such a delight to volunteer with. Then he shared his love of games with a group of us. Game night will not be the same without him bringing a new game for us to learn. He will be greatly missed.

I knew Harry from working with him at the Lottery. I'm not sure I ever saw Harry without a smile on his face. He was friendly, helpful, and had the most infectious laugh. He will be missed. Thinking of his family and friends during this difficult time. 

I knew Harry from work.  He was always so friendly and patient, and so willing to share his knowledge.  Then, when the work questions were answered Harry could converse knowledgeably about so many topics.  He enjoyed describing trips he'd taken to places as varied as Britain or Vegas.  I am thankful to have had the opportunity to work with Harry.

I am so sorry to hear of Harry's passing.  I learned so much from Harry over the 23 years I worked with him at Lottery.  He was always a very caring and generous man.  I felt lucky to have him as a friend, mentor and co-worker.  I will cherish the great memories.  Harry and your family are in my prayers.    

Harry will forever live as a legend in my mind. Endless amount of knowledge, intriguing stories, hilarious jokes, gestures and so very kind.  Cultured, wise, seasoned - master of edification.

My condolences to Harry’s family and friends.  I had the privilege of working with Harry at the MI Lottery for many years.  What a great co-worker and a kind man who will be greatly missed.  Always willing to help solve a problem or enlighten with a funny story.  

Harry my friend, no more pain, rest in peace!

Harry was a good friend and co-worker. I will miss going to lunch with him and also playing the occasional board game with him.

I am so very sorry for your loss. 

I worked with Harry for many years at the Lottery. He was not just a mentor and co-worker but a friend with a kind and thoughtful soul. 

He will be greatly missed by many.

My deepest condolences,
Beverly Clark
 
 

OBITUARY

Harry Walter Fratzke

13 May, 1960 – 27 October, 2020

Gorsline Runciman Tiffany Chapel

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