Donald C. Fratz of Ashland, Ohio went home to Heaven on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, at the age of 85. His quiet, kind, and patient ways will be missed by all that knew and loved him.
He was blessed with two wonderful wives during his life that lovingly raised their children and provided a strong Christian home. He married Betty (Haring) in 1964, and she precedes him in death in 1981. He then married Marcia (Maiken) in 1983, and she precedes him in death in 2020.
He served in the Army between the Korean and Vietnam Wars, mainly at Fort Benning, GA. He worked for many years and retired from Invacare of Elyria as a tool and die maker.
Don was a skilled wood worker, making many amazing projects to share with family and friends. He enjoyed farming at his home in Litchfield, where he spent most of his life.
He enjoyed traveling including five short-term mission trips to a Navajo reservation in New Mexico, and other trips to the Holy Land, England, Canada, and Ireland. He also enjoyed visiting Gatlinburg, TN and the Sight & Sound Theater in PA.
He is survived by three daughters: Carolyn (Sal) Salupo of Northfield, Heather (Scott) Riddle of Arlington, and Rachel (Raymel) Early of Ashland. He is also survived by three stepdaughters: Becky (Paul) Blair of Ashland, Debby (Mark) Dever of Nankin, and Cathy Freelon of Nankin and a stepson: Mike Freelon of Ashland.
Grandchildren: Sam (Katelyn), Ben, Eva, Hendrix, Trey, Jenna, Dan, Rusty, Bryan (Calysia), Justin (Carrie), Jamie (Sam), Jordan (Morgan), Dakota (Dreama), and Chelsea. Great-grandchildren: Amilyn, Alysia, Tenley, Brody, Griffin, Aaron, Beau, Riley, Collins, Arizona, Paisley, and Colt.
He joins his dear wives in Heaven: Betty and Marcia, his sons: James and Andy, and his parents: Carl and Helen Fratz, along with many other loved ones that have gone before him.
Our family would like to thank the staff of Lutheran Village of Ashland that took such great care of him over the past 5 years; as well as Gentiva Hospice.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home with Reverend Norm Johnson presiding. Interment will follow in the Nankin Cemetery where the Ashland Veteran’s Honor Guard will conduct full military honors. Friends may visit on Sunday, March 2, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home.
For those unable to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com