George J Fritz, 69, of Sweet Home passed away Sunday from liver cancer. He was born in Tacoma, Washington to George Washington and Ellen Theresa (McCloskey) Fritz.

He served in the United States Marines Corps from 1964 to 1968 and in the United States Army National Guard from which he retired as a Sergeant First Class in 1996. He served in Roseburg, Grants Pass, McMinnville, and Oregon City, and then retired in Forest Grove with over 20 years of service. He was awarded the Army Achievement Medal along with other service medals.

George lived Washington, Oregon, and California. After retiring from the military, he worked for 15 years at OHSU in Portland. George was involved with church, the Central Oregon Band of Brothers Veterans Group, and the Oregon State Parks as a volunteer. George enjoyed photography, fishing, boating, traveling, and spending time with his family. His favorite travel spot was Diamond Lake, Oregon.

He and his wife, Bonnie,started volunteer hosting at the state parks in 2010. He was a frequent host at Cascadia, Smith Rock, and Shore Acres State Parks, among other parks. They bought a home in Sweet Home in 2012.

George is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Bonnie Fritz, of Sweet Home; son Keith and wife Kelly Fritz and granddaughter Cassie Fritz of Newberg, Oregon; daughter-in-law Charlotte and grandson Philip Fritz of Milwaukie, Oregon; brother Jim and wife Tammi Fritz of Coburg, Oregon; sister Linda Mallory of Rainier, Washington; several nieces and nephews; and two loving pugs: Holly and Harley.
George was preceded in death by son Kevin Philip Fritz in 2003.

Memorial service will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Newberg Church of Christ, 2503 Haworth Avenue, Newberg, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in George’s name to the Friends of Shore Acres State Park, P.O. Box 1172, Coos Bay, OR 97420.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.