Walton "Wally" Fritze

Walton "Wally" Fritze, age 83, of Cottage Grove, passed away peacefully, with his family by his side on March 27, 2025. Wally is survived by children, Sherrie (Pat) Fritze-Harris, Theresa (Dave) Fritze-Nelson, and Rob Fritze; six grandchildren,Kellen (Joel) Parsons, Patrick Harris, Kylie (Victor) Camargo-Harris, Brenna Fritze, Calle (Marty) Rybak, Brandt Fritze; great grandchildren, Ayven and Kelvin; brother, Gene; many nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by wife, Karen.

Wally valued family the most; he was married for 60 years to the love of his life. He and Karen loved dancing and spending time with friends in both Minnesota and Arizona. He loved the outdoors and had a passion for fishing, hunting, gardening and golfing. Wally was a handyman who could fix anything. He was a lifelong member of the Cottage Grove United Church of Christ.

Wally worked at 3M for thirty-eight years. Initially he started as a chemical operator, then became a Steamfitter and later worked his way up to management level in Plant Engineering. He served his community as a volunteer fireman for 37 years.

Though his time here has ended, a new chapter begins—one where he can dance freely again, with Karen by his side, in a place where music never stops and love never fades.

Funeral Service 11 AM with visitation beginning at 9 AM, Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Cottage Grove United Church of Christ, 7008 Lamar Ave. S., Cottage Grove, MN 55016. Burial will follow at Cottage Grove Cemetery, Cottage Grove, MN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

If you'd like to watch Wally's livestream on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 11 AM, please click here.