Budd H. Fritz, 93,of Distillery Hill Road, Benton, died late Friday evening, July 15th, 2016 at the Orangeville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center where he had been a resident since April 7th.

Born November 9, 1922 in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Clark and Iris (Hirleman) Fritz. He married Betty (Moss) Fritz on March 15, 1952. She preceded him in death on June 14, 2013.

He faithfully served his country in World War II in the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the USS Wasp and was honorably discharged in 1946. He received the American Campaign Ribbon; the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon with Nine Bronze Stars; the World War II Victory Ribbon and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Two Bronze Stars. He had also received a Commendation for outstanding performance of duty while serving on board an aircraft carrier in operations against the enemy in March 1945 in the vicinity of the Islands of Kyushu and Shikoku, Japan.

Mr. Fritz was self employed as an excavating contractor and was last employed by Wayne W. Knorr, Inc. He and his wife, Betty, founded Fritz Tastee Creme in 1969 in Benton which is currently owned by their daughter, Sandra Fritz Hile.

He was a member of Painter Den Hunting Club where he served as president for many years. He was also a founding member of the West Creek Rod and Gun Club. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed hunting trips to the western United States and the Yukon Territory. In his younger years, he was a private pilot and owned his own plane and was a member of the Benton Flying Club.

Surviving are his two children: Lee C. Fritz of Benton and Sandra K. Fritz Hile and her husband, Neil, of Benton; two grandchildren: Tadd Hile and his wife, Rebecca and Kelley Hile; two great grandchildren: Emily and Tori Hile as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with his wife, Betty and his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Joyce E. Letteer on September 12, 2015.

Graveside Services will be held Monday, July 25th, 2016 at 10 AM at the Waller Cemetery with full military honors accorded by a group of local Veterans. No viewing. Arrangements are under the direction of the McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., Benton. For online condolences or for additional information, please visit: www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com

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