Dennis L. Fritz, 78, of Belle Fourche died Saturday, September 9, 2023, at St. Martin Village of the Good Samaritan Society in Rapid City. Mass of Christian Burial was held September 14, 2023, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Belle Fourche with interment in Pine Slope Cemetery. Arrangements were with Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche.
Dennis Lyle Fritz was born February 24, 1945, in Mobridge to Alvin and Elizabeth (Holzer) Fritz. He lost his mother at a young age. As a result, Dennis loved the simple things in life— home cooked meals, spending time with family, and being home. His father served in the military. During that time, Dennis, his mother and two siblings lived with Grandma and Grandpa Fritz west of Trail City. After the unexpected death of their mother, Dennis and his two siblings went to live with relatives. Following that they moved to Timber Lake, Walker, and finally McIntosh. Dennis attended school in McIntosh where one of his greatest memories was helping his team advance to the 1962 Boys State High School Basketball tournament, a historical first for the school.
In November of 1964, Dennis was united in marriage to Karren Sanow. To this union a daughter, Karmon Kaythrne and son, James Lyle, were born. They lived in McIntosh where Dennis worked at the grain elevator. Karren and infant daughter died suddenly in 1968.
On September 18, 1970, Dennis married Gwen Erz at St. Michael Catholic Church in Watauga. Working in the grain elevator business in Watauga, SD, Haynes, ND, and Chadron, NE, eventually led him to managing the elevator in Belle Fourche, where he retired after 34 years.
At the beginning of 2023, Dennis faced serious health challenges. Through it all he lived with faith and courage, never complaining. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus. where one of his favorite things to do was flipping pancakes for the biker breakfasts each year. He also volunteered at the Compassion Cupboard.
An avid fisherman and lover of all sports, one of his passions was to watch his kids and grandkids compete in their activities. He was a strong and compassionate man who endured many difficult events in life, but always maintained his positive attitude. Second to his family, he
February 4, 1945 – September 9, 2023
loved his boat, camper and tinkering in the garage.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gwen, of Belle Fourche; daughter Karmon (Darin) Brickman of Overland Park, KS; son, James (Pam) Fritz of Winner; five grandchildren— Tanner (Payton), Sydney, Nicholas, Brady and Sophie; sister Peggy (Skip) TenBroek of Bismarck, ND; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his extended family Annetta Sutton, Mary Engle, CeCe Soucy and their families; and Gwen's nine siblings and their families.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Karren; an infant child; brother, Gary; as well as extended family Harry and LaVerna Kittleson, Joe, Wally, and LaVonne.