Frederick 'Fritz' Heller

Frederick G. ‘Fritz’ Heller, Jr., 88, of the Town of Birch, passed away on Sunday, October 6, 2019 at Ascension Good Samaritan Health Center, Merrill. Fritz was born January 2, 1931 in Merrill, son of the late Fred and Barbara Heller, Sr. He married Bonita ‘Bea’ English on April 14, 1956 in Merrill. She preceded him in death on April 7, 2010. Fritz retired in 1987 as Deputy Chief with the Merrill Fire Department. He served over 25 years with the department. Fritz enjoyed Musky fishing, hunting, feeding the wildlife, making Christmas wreaths, and making maple syrup. Fritz also enjoyed being the ‘handy man’ for anyone in the neighborhood. Fritz honorably served in the U.S. Marine Corp from 1952 until 1955, and attained the rank of Corporal. Survivors include two daughters, Sheryl (Scott) Hart of Fremont, and Bonnie Heller of Kaukauna; three sons, Steve Heller of Wausau, Brian (Tricia) Heller of Irma, and David (Eva) Heller of Gleason; six grandchildren, Mitchell (Lisa) Pester of Merrill, Bobbi (Jay) Christman of Kaukauna, Ross (Andrea) Heller of Irma, Becky Heller (with, Kyle Ames) of Merrill; Eric Hart (with fiancée, Taylor Rosenfeldt) of Hortonville, and Tyler Hart of Fremont; three step grandchildren, Tara Hipke (with Kevin Jaeger), Kathy Hipke, and Craig (Melissa) Hipke, all of Merrill; seven great grandchildren, Prestin, Jaxson, Harper, Alexis, Preston, Macie, and William, and one on the way. Besides his wife and parents, Fritz is preceded in death by three siblings, Jeanette (Bill) Breivogel, Barbara (Roger) Tholl, and Joseph (Mary) Heller. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Friday, October 11, 2019 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Bloomville. Father Christ Kemp will be the celebrant and he will be assisted by Michele Rein. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery in the Town of Schley with graveside military rites conducted by the Merrill V.F.W. Post 1638 Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Thursday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill and again after 10:00 AM Friday at the church. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.