Floyd Fritz, Sioux Falls, SD, died April 23, 2010, at Sanford / USD Medical Center. He was 88.

Floyd Fritz was born March 17, 1922, to Henry and Olga (Shimnowski) Fritz, at Woodstock, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church of Woodstock, MN. He received his education in Pipestone County schools.

Floyd worked on the farm with his father until November 1942, when he enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. On April 30, 1944, when home on leave, he married his sweetheart, Mavis Hardies. Shortly after, his unit, 1st Marine Division, was sent to the South Pacific, being the first to land on Okinawa. After the war ended, he spent time in China with the occupation forces. He was honorably discharged March 1946.He returned to Holland, MN.

In 1947, they moved to Kenneth, MN, where they owned and operated Floyd's Bar. In 1957 they moved to Howard, SD, where they owned Freddy's Motel and Café. In 1969 they moved to Madison, SD. Floyd sold insurance for AAL Insurance (now Thrivent Insurance) and Combined Insurance of America. In 1976, they moved to Normal, IL as managers of Motel 6, and then transferred to the Sioux Falls location. They retired in 1987 and continued to live in Sioux Falls. Floyd volunteered as a van driver for the DAV. He also volunteered at the VA Hospital for eight years. He was a life member of the VFW, DAV, Marine Corps League, and American Legion. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club for 48 years. While in Howard, he was active with the church offices, community club, and taught Gun Safety classes. He enjoyed golfing, hunting and bowling. He was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church since moving to Sioux Falls.

He is survived by his wife of almost sixty-six years, Mavis Fritz, two daughters, Margaret (James) Wosje of Sioux Falls, Kathleen (Richard) Lochmann of San Diego, CA, and one son, Daniel (Belinda) Fritz of Madison, S.D., seven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren. Also many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Delbert, and two sisters Karen Gath, and Elenore Benson, and three siblings in infancy.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 am Tuesday, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Visitation begins at 2:00 pm Monday. The family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 to 8:00 Monday evening, with a Prayer Service starting at 7:30 Monday evening at Miller West, 6200 W. 41st Street.