Robert Ernest Fritz

Robert Ernest Fritz of Unionville, age 82, passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026, at home surrounded by his family. He was born on July 22, 1944, in Bay City, the son of the late Ernest and Eva (Gangler) Fritz. Bob graduated from Unionville-Sebewaing High School with the Class of 1962.

On December 5, 1964, Bob married the love of his life, the former Diane Hofmeister, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sebewaing. Together, they shared nearly sixty-two years of marriage, raised three children, and made countless memories along the way. Bob and Diane are members of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Bach.

Farming was a way of life for Bob. He spent his entire life working the land and co-owned F & K Farms with his best friend, George Kovach, until George’s passing. Their sons, Darren Fritz and Jason Kovach, carried on the tradition and took over the family business. Even after stepping back from the day-to-day work, Bob never really left farming behind. He remained active until last year and was still offering advice earlier this season.

When he wasn’t farming, Bob enjoyed ice fishing and deer hunting. He was a NASCAR fan and always enjoyed rooting for the Detroit Tigers. In his younger years, he also had a love for racing, whether it was snowmobiles or even chainsaws.

Bob was a quiet and somewhat shy man who never needed many words to let his family know how much they meant to him. He will be remembered for his dedication to farming, his strong work ethic, and above all, the love he had for his family.

Bob leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Diane; children, Sherri (Troy Schaus) Appold, Shelly (Mike) Burza, and Darren (Kim) Fritz; seven grandchildren, Sarah Appold, Joshua (Chelsea) Appold, Danae (Tyler) Gray, Danielle (Landon) Brabo, Jordan Fritz, Erika Fritz, and Zach Fritz; six great-grandchildren, Gianna, Brooks, Leo, Myles, Banks, and Bentley; brother, Wayne (Anna) Fritz; sister, Nancy Niester; brothers-in-law, Jim (Kathy) Hofmeister and Don (Brenda) Hofmeister; many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Ernest and Eva (Gangler) Fritz and business partner, George Kovach, Bob was preceded in death by his grandson, Dawson; sister, Diane Schember; and brothers-in-law, LeRoy Schember and Bernard Niester.

Bob’s funeral service will be on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Bach, 9667 Bach Rd, Sebewaing, MI 48759. Rev. Thom Garrison will officiate with the burial following at the church cemetery. The family will be present to receive visitors on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Bob’s service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Bach or a charity of the donor’s choice.