James Wilmer Fritze, age 90, of Minneapolis, passed away on April 28, 2015 at Christian Community Homes in Hudson, Wis.

He was born January 4, 1925 in Red Wing, Minn. to Wilmer and Martha (Anderson) Fritze. James served his country in Europe during World War II as part of the Third Army, 89th Infantry Division, and retired from the military in 1962 with the rank of Captain. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, he began a distinguished civilian career with the State of Minnesota. He retired in 1985 as Assistant Commissioner of Human Resources.

James married Audrey (Christensen) Fritze in 1950. He was a devoted husband and father, and enjoyed nearly 60 years as a member of the congregation at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.

He is survived by his wife and by five daughters: Christine (Gerard) Payette; Jeanine (Kenneth) Miller; Linda (Steven) Fritze-Adorn; Sharon (fiancé Brian) Fritze; and Susan (Brad) Freely, nine grandchildren: Jessica (Michael) Payette, James Payette, Nathan (Tiffany) Miller, Daniel Miller, Joel Miller, Melissa (fiancé David) Adorn, Eric Feely, Maxwell Feely, and Zachary Schossow, and two great-grandchildren, Noah and Luke Miller.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Christian Community Homes for their care and compassion.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM Monday, May 4 at Faith Ev. Lutheran Church, 3430 E 51st St., Minneapolis, MN 55417, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at church. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church.