Rapid City - Harold Len "Harry" Fritzsche, 88, of Rapid City died Friday, May 10, 2013 at Westhills Village Health Care. He was born March 30, 1925 in Bonilla to Earl and Hazel [Galbraith] Fritzsche, the second of 5 children. The family owned a farm in Wessington, where Harold attended school and participated in just about every available sport and activity, graduating Valedictorian of his 19 member Senior Class. While in high school, he and his siblings formed a dance band known as the Whiteside Kids Band, which played for many dances in and around Wessington. Harold played fiddle. He served in the United States Army's 33rd Division during WW II. Following the war, he attended South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, playing football under Coach Barney Llewellyn. An injury forced an early end to his collegiate football career. He graduated in 1951 from Tech with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He then was awarded a full grant scholarship and was graduated from Purdue University in 1957 with a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Harold had a 34 year career in manufacturing and management at the General Electric Corporation, Fort Wayne, Indiana location. He held 21 patents, all for equipment that the world uses to build electric and computer controlled motors. He married Lois Kofmehl Fritzsche on June 15, 1952. She passed away on October 17, 1981. He married Maxine Ham Fritzsche, of Rapid City, on September 15, 1984. After his retirement from GE in 1986, Harold and Maxine relocated from Ft. Wayne to Rapid City, where they purchased a home. After completing several home projects such as building a huge backyard deck and adding a rock retaining wall, they sold their home in 2008 and moved into Westhills Village Retirement Center. Harold was a 64 year member of Masons, ultimately becoming a Master Mason. He was a member of the American Legion and Triangle Fraternity, and a Presbyterian Church Elder and volunteer. After his return to Rapid City, he enjoyed a long relationship with the School of Mines, including membership in the Hardrock Club [past president], secretary for the school's Foundation, and as a long-time member of the Research Center. He was an avid wood worker, and made many gifts and keepsakes for friends and family. A humble man, Harold always felt gratitude for the opportunities he had in life and for the people who helped him make the most of all he was able to accomplish and enjoy. He was especially grateful for his family Family members and survivors include his beloved siblings: Leonard Fritzsche of Wessington, Lois Pierce of Box Elder, Lucille Palmer [deceased], and Edward Fritzsche [deceased], his loving wife: Maxine; his two daughters: Elizabeth J.F. [Don] Campbell of Carmel, IN and Ann J. Fritzsche of Scottsdale, AZ; his four grandchildren: Kelsey E. Campbell of West Lafayette, IN, J. Parker Campbell of Carmel, IN, Josie Breemes Boosinger of Texas, and Emily A. Ham of Rapid City; his great-grandson: Raiden Boosinger of Gillette, WY, and two step-children: Keith E. [Sher] Ham of Rhode Island and Karen J. Ham [deceased]. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, each special to him. Services will be at 10:00 am Tuesday, May 14 at First Presbyterian Church, 710 Kansas City Street, Rapid City with the Rev. Jeff Kintner and the Rev. Bob Savot officiating. The family looks forward to greeting guests and family after the service. Burial after the service will be in Mountain View Cemetery, Rapid City, with military honors by the Rushmore VFW Post 1273 Honor Guard and the South Dakota National Guard. Memorials have been established for an Athletic Scholarship at SDSM&T and the American Legion Post 22 Baseball Program.