Edward (Ed) Wilgar Fritz, age 94, peacefully passed into eternal life at his home in Canton, Michigan on Friday, October 23, 2020, surrounded by family. Ed was born on August 5, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Edward Fritz and Mae (Chatwin) Fritz. Raised in Marine City, Michigan, Ed was a tri-sport athlete, Eagle Scout, and band member. Ed graduated from Marine City High School and after that, he earned a congressional appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy (Class of 1945) and served in 3 war zones (Atlantic, Pacific, and Mediterranean) during World War II, prior to sailing on the Great Lakes and the Caribbean. During the Korean War, Ed enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and was stationed at a Loran Navigational Aid Station in Newfoundland, Canada.

On July 12, 1952, Ed was united in marriage with Marilyn Jean Pflug, the daughter of the late Charles Evans Pflug and Audrey Maree (Cochran) Pflug in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Ed worked at American Motors Corporation as a Plant Electrical Engineer, Licensed Professional Engineer (PE), and later retired from The Chrysler Corporation as Manager of Corporate Electrical Engineering and Energy Control.

Throughout his life, Ed was a role model and active member in the community volunteering in Scouting, Coast Guard Auxiliary, American Legion (Chaplin), Masons, as well as serving as a Representative of The Michigan State U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and Federal Academy Interview Committee for U.S. Senator Carl Levin.

Ed dearly loved family and friends. He was always a source of wise counsel and passionately dedicated to his family. He truly enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and instilled great morals and ethics throughout his life. As an avid sailor, Ed never missed the opportunity to teach his family the lessons of teamwork and seamanship during the many days at the lake on the family sailboat. Ed always enjoyed visiting with family and friends, and never missed the opportunity to work the crowd.

Ed is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Marilyn, his four children Edward (Cindy) Fritz, Richard, Bob (Nancy) Fritz, Barbara (Douglas) Roberts, six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

A private family service will be held, and a celebration of his life event will be planned in the future. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Purple Heart Foundation.