John William Fritchen

Racine- John W. Fritchen, 59, passed away peacefully at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Sunday, March 25, 2007 following a sudden, yet brief, illness. A lifetime resident, John was born in Racine on October 26, 1947 to the late Harold and Barbara (nee: Brown) Fritchen. A 1967 graduate of Washington Park High School, he was drafted in October 1968 by the United States Army to fight in the Vietnam War. While faithfully serving in Vietnam as a machine gunner with the 4th Infantry Division, he was awarded three Purple Hearts, Bronze Star with “V” device and a Silver Star. John was honorably discharged after being evacuated to a Japanese hospital in February of 1970. On July 24, 1971 in Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Carol Jean Sell. For many years, he has been a well-respected employee of Webster Electric, Danfoss and Modine Mfg. John was a longtime member of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection. He was an extreme radio controlled airplane enthusiast having been an involved member of the Racine R.C. Club. John enjoyed building and restoring classic cars having finished a few different classics of his own. He was also was a member of the Deutscher Manner Verein. A kindhearted and humble gentleman, John loved being in the surroundings of his family and friends. Surviving are his loving wife of over 35 years, Carol; their beloved son, Brian Fritchen; dear sister, Betty (Richard) Rousar; nieces, Peg (William) Rousar-Thompson and Betsy Rousar; great-nephew, Blake Thompson; great-niece, Theodora Thompson; other special relatives and friends, including his neighbors and co-workers too numerous to mention by name. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his in-laws, Herman and Hilda Sell; infant sister, Margaret Fritchen; and great-nephew, Ross Thompson. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 12:00 noon in Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 322 Ohio Street, with Rev. James Barsch officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow at the S. Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be in the church on Wednesday from 10 am – 12 noon. In memory of John, memorials to the Vietnam Veterans of America – Chapter 767 has been suggested. A special note of thanks to the emergency responders of Racine Police and Fire; Dr. Steven Johnson; Dr. Byung Park; and the entire staff of WFH- All Saints, especially Stephanie Czosnek, RN, for the wonderful care and support; and to John’s co-workers, neighbors and friends for all their prayers and visits over these difficult past few weeks. God bless all of you!