William "Bill" Fritz

William “Bill” Fritz died on August 28, 2022, at the age of 64 from the degenerative brain disease, Frontotemporal Dementia, which he had for more than 15 years. Bill was born in Everett, WA to Connie and Will Fritz. He grew up in several northwest cities, but his true home was Juneau, Alaska where he first lived in the late 1960’s. He exemplified everything about Southeast Alaska - loving the land, the people, and the spirit. He was an avid outdoorsman who generously shared his passion for the wilderness with others. He also enjoyed ballroom dancing, board games, and many genres of music. He met the love of his life, Catherine, at Washington State University in his freshman year; they were married for 43 years.

In 1983, Bill and Catherine moved to Juneau where they raised their beloved three sons. Bill was a master carpenter, well known for his attention to detail and skills in hardwood flooring. He was a loving Dad and active community member, playing, coaching and refereeing soccer, building a Montessori school, playing percussion in the Juneau Symphony, and a member of Resurrection Lutheran Church. He led many canoe trips across Admiralty Island with teenagers and family/friend groups.

Bill was graced with compassion from many angels when his illness set in. The Bridge Adult Day Program provided critical care for two years. Friends supervised hikes and outings to support his independence. His final eight years at a memory care facility were filled with immeasurable love – he was always content and well cared for.

Bill was treasured by many and is especially missed by his wife, Catherine, and sons Andrew (Kristel), Trevor (Lauren), and Evan (Kathryn). He is also survived by his sister Eleanor, brother Bob, uncle Peter (Maureen) as well as his mother-in-law Betty, sisters-in-law Lorraine and Robbie, brother-in-law Steve, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family/friends (those with bloodlines and those with spirit lines). We are grateful beyond words for the care and compassion that our whole family has received in so many different forms through these many years.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Summer 2023. Donations in Bill’s memory are suggested to the employee appreciation fund at The Cottages Senior Living, 1808 SE 182nd Ave, Portland, OR 97233, or to the Juneau Community Foundation for parks, trails, and recreation at 350 N. Franklin St #4, Juneau, AK 99801