Arden Carl Fritz, a devoted family man, dedicated minister, and proud veteran, passed away peacefully in Mesa, Arizona, on August 22, 2026, after a lengthy illness at age 89.
Born on May 28, 1937, in Owen, Wisconsin, Arden was the oldest of seven children born to Loraine (Boots) and Mary Fritz. He grew up learning the values of hard work and responsibility while raised on a farm. Arden enlisted in the United States Air Force alongside his best friend, George Himes. He honorably served from 1956 to 1960 during the Vietnam War era, including a notable stint in Minot, North Dakota, where he endured freezing temperatures as low as -45°F. For his faithful service, he earned the Good Conduct Medal and received an Honorable Discharge.
Following his military service, Arden answered the call to pastoral ministry. He earned his Master of Science in Theology from Eden Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, and was ordained in 1966. Throughout his decades of ministry within the United Church of Christ, Protestant, and Lutheran traditions, Arden centered his spiritual work on love, community, and outdoor ministry, finding God’s presence deeply reflected in the natural world.
It was through his work in outdoor ministry at La Foret in Colorado that Arden met the love of his life, Katherine ("Kathy"). Together, they shared 37 years of marriage rooted in deep companionship and shared faith.
Beyond his formal ministry, Arden’s greatest congregation was his family. Though he stepped into the role of stepfather, he truly became a genuine father in every sense—a constant beacon of love who provided clear moral guidance, unwavering acceptance, and a gentle, kind presence. He actively cultivated deep family roots and found joy in simple pleasures, including coaching sports, gardening, traveling, and reading books.
Arden is survived by his loving wife, Katherine Fritz; his children, Arlen (Jay) Fritz, Holly Kottke, Jennifer Diamond, Richard Kottke, Adam Kottke, and Andrew Kottke; his grandchildren; and his living siblings, Ross Fritz, Ginger Pitman, Donna Schultz-Looker, and Mary Ann Holcomb. He is preceded in death by his siblings Lash Fritz and Miki Mars.
Arden’s legacy of quiet strength, kindness, and unshakeable faith will continue to live on through the many lives he touched.
A Veteran’s service will be held in September and Celebration of Life services at a later date.
