81
Belle Fouche, SD
February 28, 2022
Vernon Lee (Vern) Fritz was born in Sioux Falls on November 27,1940, the youngest of four children, to Walter J. and Vina L. (Johnson) Fritz. His early childhood was on a farm in Lincoln County. At age five, the family moved to a farm in Lake County, near Wentworth. It was there that he attended grade school and graduated from Chester High School in 1958. Vern was active in both 4-H and FFA.
Vern paid his own way through SDSU by living and working at the University Sheep Research Unit. He graduated in 1963 with a double major in Animal Science and Dairy Science. While at college, he represented SDSU on both the Livestock and Dairy Cattle Judging teams. In 1961, he was the top collegiate judge in placing Brown Swiss at the National Dairy Cattle Congress in Waterloo, Iowa. Also in 1961, Vern was the top individual in judging Guernsey Dairy Cattle at the Chicago International Livestock Exposition. In 1962, he was a member of the SDSU National Champion Livestock Judging team at the Chicago International Livestock Exposition. Vern continued his education at SDSU receiving a Masters Degree in Animal Science (Livestock Nutrition) in 1967
Vern’s high school and college days were difficult. At age 15, he began his battle with the disease ulcerative colitis. The battle lasted 54 years. His defense against the disease was to work long hours to try and keep his mind sane and combat the terrible stress.
Vern married his college sweetheart, Pamela Simmons, in 1966. The couple moved to Mitchell, where Vern was employed by the SDSU Extension Service as a County Agricultural Agent for three years. During this time, completed her degree in Medical Technology at SDSU. Their son, Brian, was born in 1972.
In 1969, Vern began a 33 year career with Zip Feed Mills as a Livestock Nutritionist. Many people in the livestock industry knew Vern. He was one of the few Livestock Nutritionist that was competent in the nutrition and management of beef cattle, sheep, swine, and dairy cattle. Because of his broad knowledge, he was the primary person to handle trouble-shooting for the company. He also conducted many educational meetings and wrote numerous brochures and booklets on animal nutrition. While employed by Zip, the family lived in the communities of Sioux Falls, Huron, and Humboldt. While at Humboldt, Vern helped Brian raise registered Dorset sheep that served as Brian’s 4-H project and ticket to college.
Vern as active in their church, Zion Lutheran, in Hartford. He was also active in the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee. This involved the Sioux Empire Fair and the Sioux Empire Farm Show, which he chaired in 1985. Vern promoted the livestock industry by charcoal grilling meat for large groups.
Vern’s active lifestyle was somewhat of a cover-up as his battle with ulcerative colitis continued. The disease eventually destroyed his liver, and on October 6, 1990, Vern received a liver transplant at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He was one of the first people in SD to receive a liver transplant. In 2009, he went through surgery to remove his colon. Vern credits his strong faith in God and strong family support for keeping him going through those difficult times.
Prior to his retirement in 2007, Vern worked as a crop adjuster for the crop insurance division of Wells Fargo for five years.
In 2011, Pam and Vern moved to western SD and built their first new home in Belle Fourche. He spent his free time doing woodworking and charcoal grilling for graduations and church functions at St. James Lutheran in Belle Fourche.
Vern is survived by his wife, Pam; son, Brian (Joelle); granddaughter, Jenna (Ross) Sutter; great-grandson, Revan; two sisters-in-law, Carlene Fritz and Janis Fritz; and a multitude of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three siblings, Gene, Barb (Lawrence), and Wes; and a grandson, Christian.
A memorial service was held at 10:30 Tuesday, March 8, at St. James Lutheran Church, 1100 Stanley Street, Belle Fourche, with Rev. Kari Webb presiding.
A visitation was from 4-7 Thursday, March 10, at Miller Funeral Home, Hartford Chapel.
A memorial service was held at 10:30 am Friday, March 11, at Zion Lutheran Church, 26313 462nd Avenue, Hartford, with Pastor Lando Anderson Officiating. Services will be streamed at https://www.facebook.com/Zion-Lutheran-Church-201023069918383.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.millerfh.com.
Arrangements provided by Miller Funeral Home.