Allen Edward Fritzsche

Allen Fritzsche, age 92, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2023. He was born to George and Minnie Fritzsche in Hubbard, Ohio. He was raised on a dairy and potato farm. He often commented that he never worked so hard in his life as he did on the farm. Allen graduated from Homerville High School, converted an old bus to an RV, and and with his best friend Daniel travelled the USA. Of their many adventures, they joined the Maritime and learned all about how to keep a ship running. They eventually made it all the way to Weed, California where they talked a lumber mill owner into giving them jobs. At a church camp in California, both young men spotted a lovely young lady by the name of Ruth and tried their best to impress her. Of the letters she received from these charming suitors, she only answered those from Allen. Soon he was at her doorstop in Michigan, winning her heart. Allen served in the Air Force in Germany during the Korean War and lived with Ruth just across the border in France. They took a trip to England to see the coronation of Queen Elizabeth. Their first daughter, Robin, was born in Europe. After his tour ended, Allen moved his family to Michigan, where he attended University of Michigan and earned his Masters in Engineering. Daughters Jan and Lisa were born during this time. Lisa’s arrival interrupted his final exams. Allen took a job at Boeing in Seattle, Washington and after several years, was hired by EG&G in Las Vegas. He worked in aerial measurements which took him to places around the globe.

As a child, Allen poured over National Geographic Magazine. He was entranced with the photographs of far-away places and wanted to grow up and see the world. He made his dream come true. For a 20-year period, he spent several weeks each summer hiking the world with his good buddy Joel. In South America, he jumped in the Amazon River to swim with the piranha. While in Yosemite, Allen competed with a bear for river salmon. He surprised a bear visiting their campsite in Alaska, and tapped it on the nose with a fishing pole to send it on its way. On one of Allen’s longest trips, he took the Siberian Railway to Mongolia where he stayed in a yurt. His travels took him to the Alps, New Zealand, Australia, Libya, Peru, Norway, and all over the grand old USA. Allen was especially happy to travel back to Ohio to see his mother, brothers, and extended family, and in his later years to get to hike with his brothers and niece.

Allen loved his family and was a fantastic dad. He spent many weekends at the Red Rocks and Mt. Charleston having picnics followed by hiking the trails with his daughters. He loved being in nature. He taught his daughters to be honest, hardworking, kind, and polite. In addition to being a mathematics whiz, he also had a gentle, introspective nature which he expressed through song and poetry. Every day, he would say, “I am fortunate”

Allen is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Ruth, and his three brothers Robert (Bob), Dave, and Carl (Mike) Fritzsche. Allen is survived by his three loving daughters, Robin, Jan, and Lisa, his son, Bryan, and his granddaughter and grandson, Kelly and Pete.

Celebration of life service will be Saturday, June 10 at 11:00 AM at Redrock Baptist Church, 5500 Alta Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89107. Reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Las Vegas Rescue Mission or the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmnorthwest.com for the Fritzsche family.