Bernice June “Bee” Fritz, age 67 of Prescott, WI, formerly of Backus, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on June 7, 2020.  Bernice was born July 6, 1952 in Minneapolis, MN to Herbert and Blanche (Wood) Abbott.  She graduated from Coon Rapids High School, with the Class of 1970.  On September 1, 1972, Bee was united in marriage to Mark Steven Fritz.  Their marriage was blessed with three children, Michael, Patrick, and Amy.  Bee had a caring heart for others and worked as registered nurse throughout her life, retiring in 2015.

Bee’s heart truly belonged to her family.  She cherished every moment making memories with her husband, children, and grandchildren at the family cabin, and their home for 30 years, on Pine Mountain Lake in Backus, MN.  Bee loved camping and traveling with her family and was especially fond of cruises.  Some of her favorite travels were to Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean.  Bee and Mark were fortunate to share the last few years of winters in the sunshine of Fort Myers, FL.

Bee enjoyed the challenge of Sudoku puzzles, listening to audio books on their road travels, and trying her luck at the casino.  Bee treasured holidays, especially Christmas, and delighted in making those times special for her family by decorating and making Christmas cookies for everyone to enjoy.  Bee was proud of her title as “Grandma,” and always looked forward to time with her grandchildren.  She also looked forward to Friday night date nights, going to festivals with her family, and their ritual of watching Wheel of Fortune together.  Bee had a sweet tooth and delighted in good chocolate, candy of all sorts, and treating herself to a slice of pecan pie.   Her love of sweets was especially recognized by her grandchildren and often shared.

Bee will remain in the hearts of her loving husband of 47 years, Mark; sons, Mike (Ann) Fritz of Rosemount, MN and Pat (Melissa) Fritz of Rosemount, MN; daughter, Amy (Justin) Hamlin of Prescott, WI; son-at-heart, Chris (Alissa) Lotysz of Rosemount, MN; grandchildren:  Nolan and Lillian Fritz, Bryce, Brooke and Madeline Fritz, Lucas, Cole and Violet Hamlin; grandchildren-at-heart, Sayla and Kade Lotysz; sisters, Shirley Nelson of Brainerd, MN and Darlene (Dennis) Vilhauer of Milaca, MN; mother-in-law, Peggy Fritz; along with many other loving relatives and in-laws, and dear friends.  Bee was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Blanche; and sister, Dottie Abbott.

A Memorial Service (Respecting social distancing and encouraging masks) will take place 1:30 PM Saturday, June 13, 2020 at the Ridgetop, W10516 US Hwy 10, Prescott, WI.  A Celebration of Bee’s Life will follow from 2:00 – 5:00 PM. In honor of Bee, memorials may be directed to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. https://ww5.komen.org/Contact.aspx

Funeral and cremation services have been entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of Prescott (715) 262-5404.  www.oconnellfuneralservices.com