Steven Fritz

Steven James Fritz, 61, of West Lafayette, Indiana, died at 9:10 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2008, in St. Elizabeth Medical Center, after battling cancer. Born May 9, 1947, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, he was the son of the late Bonnie and Leo Fritz. Steve graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1965. He went on to receive his bachelor's degree in geology from St. Louis University in 1969, his master's in geology from Duke University in 1971, and his doctorate from the University of North Carolina in 1976. Dr. Fritz was a geology professor at the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire, 1976-1977; at Texas AM, University 1981-1987; and from 1987 until the present time at Purdue University, Department of Earth Atmospheric Sciences. He also had been a research geologist for DuPont's Savannah River Lab from 1977 to 1981. He authored numerous scientific articles and was co-editor of A Marine Atlas of Puerto Rico. His hobbies were creative writing, music, history, and gardening. He was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church and of several professional societies. From 1972 to 2001, he was married to Deborah H. Fritz. Surviving are two daughters, Jocelyn F. Bialk (Andrew) of Schaumburg, Ill.., and Elise H.. Fritz of Arlington, Va.; a sister, Debbie Harmon (Roger) of Fridley, Minnesota. Also survived by Deborah H. Fritz, his wife for 29 years; a grandson, Landon James Bialk; and a good friend, Cathy Deardorff.. Preceded in death by his parents and his brother John L. Fritz. Memorials to: Brown County Historical Society, 2 N. Broadway, New Ulm, MN 56073-1714