Fritz was born on June 2, 1917, in Stirum, ND, to Fred and Bertha (Schultz) Kupitz. He grew up in the Stirum/ Oakes area and went into the U.S. Army on April 23, 1942. He served in the Burma/India Theatre during World War II. After his discharge, Fritz returned to the farm for a time and then eventually moved to Illinois, where he worked as a machinist. On April 27, 1972, he was united in marriage to Grace Huseby at Aurora, IL. They resided for a time in Aurora, before moving to Rapid City in 1976. He then worked at the Metz Baking Company for 10 years before retiring. In his retirement, he volunteered for the V.A. for over 2,000 hours, transporting patients from Rapid City to Ft. Meade and serving coffee at the Rapid City Clinic. Fritz was a member of the American Legion Post 22 and Canyon Lake Senior Center. He had a great sense of humor. Survivors include a stepdaughter, Barbara Hendrickson and her husband, Lyle, Rapid City; a brother, Richard Kupitz, Stirum, ND; three step-grandchildren; nine step-great-grandchildren; three step-great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be one hour prior to services, which will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with Pastor Josh Jones officiating. Burial, with military honors provided by Rushmore VFW Post 1273 and the SD National Guard, will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. Memorial contributions may be given to Bethlehem Lutheran Church.