LaVern Fratzke, age 86 of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away Sunday, December 18, 2016. He is survived by his wife Phyllis, three daughters Karen (Terry) Walker, Michelle Reynolds of Grand Rapids, Pamela (Richard) Ritter of Johnson City, TN; five grandchildren Hillary Winn, Ryan Walker, Brent Ritter, Chase Ritter, and Ethan Reynolds; and one great grandson Camden Walker. Born and raised in Independence, Iowa. He served in the Air Force, stationed in Panama, during the Korean War. He graduated from Drake University with a degree in business and started his career in the insurance industry and later owned a commercial floor covering business. He was known for his wit, cleverness, and gift of song. He inspired his family to identify and accomplish their goals. His passions were family, friends, golf, tennis and extensive travel. He spent his retirement years between Florida and Michigan. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 21 5-7:00 p.m. and Thursday one hour prior to the service at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. S.E., Grand Rapids. Funeral Service will be Thursday 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home chapel. Rev. Jim Pollard of Forest Hills Presbyterian Church officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Foundation, Hospice, 100 Michigan St. N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
LaVern Raymond Fratzke
07/10/1930
12/18/2016
