Lawrence Walter Fritz

Lawrence Walter Fritz, age 86, passed away on April 13, 2026, in Royal Oak, Michigan. Larry was born on October 3, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, and spent much of his life in Livonia, Michigan, where he built a loving home with his family.

Larry was the beloved husband of Lucille (Nagy), whom he met at her brother’s college graduation party. Their chance meeting grew into a lifelong partnership, and they were united in marriage on May 13, 1967. Together, they shared nearly six decades of love and cherished memories.

He was a proud and devoted father to Douglas, Eric, Jonathan, and Matthew, who will remember him for his steady guidance, quiet strength, and unwavering support.

Larry is also survived by his siblings, Loretta Denbo and Kenneth Fritz, along with extended family and many who were fortunate to know him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Fritz and Dorothy (Arheit) Fritz, and his sister, Virginia.

Larry earned his electrical engineering degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and began his career through Chrysler’s student program. He went on to dedicate 40 years to Chrysler, eventually becoming an emission vehicle engineering supervisor, contributing his knowledge and skill with pride before retiring in 2007.

Outside of his professional life, Larry found joy in simple and meaningful pursuits. Landscaping was of particular interest to him, resulting in many summer hours spent maintaining and beautifying the yards around his home. For him, the landscape wasn’t just a point of pride showcasing his talents, but a means of self-expression for others to enjoy. He also treasured traveling with his family, creating fond memories on trips across the United States, including visits to Hawaii, Florida, Colorado, Texas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

But Larry possessed a studious mind as well. He loved history, and to this end collected knowledge on past rulers, ancient conflicts, and world events. In later years, when he learned he possessed 38 percent Swedish and Danish ancestry, he started to absorb all he could about Viking history. When he held an audience, he would regal them with stories, legends, and cultural anecdotes about his newly discovered ancestors.

Yet, more important for Larry was his devotion to his faith. After finding his belief in God through his maternal grandmother, he lived out and practiced a Christian life through several ministries, including the distribution of Our Daily Bread devotionals to hospitals and senior centers, and the passing on of his beliefs to his friends and family.

Larry will be remembered as a hardworking, devoted family man whose life was defined by love and commitment. He spent years struggling, working hard, and sacrificing so his family could have a comfortable future. When he should have been enjoying his retirement, he instead devoted his life to instructing others on the intricacies of investments and the importance of planning ahead for unforeseen emergencies. His presence will be deeply missed and forever cherished by those who knew and loved him.

A Funeral Service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Harry J Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152. Larry’s family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 4 until 8 p.m., and again on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 11 a.m. An Entombment will follow at Glen Eden Memorial Park, 35667 Eight Mile Road, Livonia.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may consider contributions in Larry’s memory to Hagee Ministries at jhm.org/donate, or to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org.