Frederick Fritz Haninger, 85
Frederick “Fritz” Haninger, 85, of Ronan, passed away peacefully in Bigfork on September 28, 2017. He was born on March 24, 1932 in Wichita, Kansas the second of three children born to Marguerite and Frederick Haninger.
Fritz enlisted in the U. S. Air Force in May of 1949 and served until December 1952. He became a flight engineer and aircraft mechanic assigned to a B-25 with the 1002D Inspector General Unit.
Fritz married Marcia Harmon in 1955 and they were blessed with six wonderful children to raise. They separated 23 years later and eventually divorced.
Fritz was destined to go into the insurance business and he and his partner opened a successful insurance brokerage in San Bernardino, California. He forged many lifetime friendships during this time and found his career to be a source of great joy and always interesting. He and his partner sold the brokerage in 1992 and thus began his quest for life in the northwest.
In 1985 Fritz met Florence “Flo” who would become his wife. They were married on the island of Kauai, Hawaii in 1990.
In 1992 their dream was realized and they moved to Ronan, Montana to enjoy their retirement. Fritz’s dream became a reality living in a quiet, beautiful rural setting where he could hunt the vast open spaces, fish the lake and simply enjoy the watching the abundant wildlife travel through their property.
Retirement also gave Fritz the time to serve the community as a reserve deputy for the Lake County Sheriff over a two year period.
Visits from longtime friends and get-togethers with great neighborhood friends were a favorite occasion for Fritz. Hysterical stories would be swapped which provided for many laughs over a beverage or few. Fritz’s ability to fix anything earned him the nickname MacGyver by many and he was always available to assist friends and family whenever his advice or help was needed.
Fritz was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Marjorie and Alberta.
He is survived by Florence, his loving wife and devoted companion of 31 years; Fritz is also survived by his six children, Mike, Pat, Tim, Kathleen, Maryanne and Paula and the mother of his children Marcia; he also leaves behind 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, his step-son Mike and two step-grandchildren and three honorary grandchildren.
Fritz’s love, kindness, sense of humor, robust laughter and amazing smile will be missed forever.
There are no services planned at this time for Fritz. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.thelakefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.