1919
Robert
2011
Robert Fitts
October 1, 1919 — May 19, 2011
Robert "Bob" Fitts, age 91, of Merrill died Thursday, May 19, 2011, at Wausau Manor under the care of . He was born October 1, 1919 in Iowa Falls, IA to the late Ralph and Nora (Hanson) Fitts. Bob married the former Betty Wade on February 14, 1948. She preceded him in death on March 23, 2005.
After graduation from school he worked for Harvest Gold Feed Co., Waterloo, IA and later at Northern Illinois Finance Co. in DeKalb, IL. Bob entered the United States Army in October of 1941. He served his basic training at Fort Sill, OK. After basic training he served as an instructor at the Field Artillery Replacement Training Center, Fort Sill, OK for three years. Bob was then transferred to Camp Van Dorn, MS to the 863rd F.A. Batl. and back up to the 63rd Infantry Division. He served in the E.T.O. Bob was honorably discharged in 1946, with the rank of Sergeant, after 5 years of service. He then was employed with Blue Cross Blue Shield in Milwaukee. He was associated with People's I.G.A. in Merrill for 25 years as the manager and owner. Bob then became the Produce Manager for Carl's Food Lane in Merrill for 10 years before retiring. He was a member of First Prebyterian Church, Merrill where he had served as Elder. Bob was a Past Worshipful Master of Virginia Falls Blue Lodge 226 F. & A.M. of Wisconsin and was a Lodge member since 1950. He was also Past President of the Timber Shrine Club of Wisconsin. He was a 32nd Degree member of the Consistory of the Valley of Eau Claire Scottish Rite. Bob was also a 50 year + member of the Zor Temple A.A.O.N.M.S. of Madison Wisconsin Shrine.
Bob is survived by one son; Thomas (Pam) Fitts of Carriere, MS. 1 sister; Katherine (Helmut) Nusch, Little Rock, AR,. 3 grandchildren; Lauren, Jared and Maggie Fitts of Carriere, MS. 6 nieces; Barbara (Jim) Sabin, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Cynthia Esterly, Marietta, GA, Lynora Kell, Phoenix, AZ, Cheryl Schaffer, Festus, MO, Mary Kay (Reay) Graves, Little Rock, AR and Judie (Wayne) Bullock, Rocky Mount, NC. 4 nephews; Carl (Sharon) Borine, Eden Prairie, MN, Edward Kell, Eustis, FL, Steve Kell, Eureka, MO, and Robbie Kell, Washington, MO. Also numerous cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by 2 sons; Gerald and Dennis and 2 sisters, Hattie (Del) Borine and Genevieve (Cecil) Kell. A Memorial Service will be held 1:00 pm Monday, May 23, 2011, at the Waid Funeral Home in Merrill. The Rev. Don King will officiate. Burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park. Friends may call from 12 pm until the time of service at the funeral home.
The family requests memorials be given to the charity of your choice. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Visitation
Monday, May 23, 2011
Visitation
Monday, May 23, 2011
After graduation from school he worked for Harvest Gold Feed Co., Waterloo, IA and later at Northern Illinois Finance Co. in DeKalb, IL. Bob entered the United States Army in October of 1941. He served his basic training at Fort Sill, OK. After basic training he served as an instructor at the Field Artillery Replacement Training Center, Fort Sill, OK for three years. Bob was then transferred to Camp Van Dorn, MS to the 863rd F.A. Batl. and back up to the 63rd Infantry Division. He served in the E.T.O. Bob was honorably discharged in 1946, with the rank of Sergeant, after 5 years of service. He then was employed with Blue Cross Blue Shield in Milwaukee. He was associated with People's I.G.A. in Merrill for 25 years as the manager and owner. Bob then became the Produce Manager for Carl's Food Lane in Merrill for 10 years before retiring. He was a member of First Prebyterian Church, Merrill where he had served as Elder. Bob was a Past Worshipful Master of Virginia Falls Blue Lodge 226 F. & A.M. of Wisconsin and was a Lodge member since 1950. He was also Past President of the Timber Shrine Club of Wisconsin. He was a 32nd Degree member of the Consistory of the Valley of Eau Claire Scottish Rite. Bob was also a 50 year + member of the Zor Temple A.A.O.N.M.S. of Madison Wisconsin Shrine.
Bob is survived by one son; Thomas (Pam) Fitts of Carriere, MS. 1 sister; Katherine (Helmut) Nusch, Little Rock, AR,. 3 grandchildren; Lauren, Jared and Maggie Fitts of Carriere, MS. 6 nieces; Barbara (Jim) Sabin, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Cynthia Esterly, Marietta, GA, Lynora Kell, Phoenix, AZ, Cheryl Schaffer, Festus, MO, Mary Kay (Reay) Graves, Little Rock, AR and Judie (Wayne) Bullock, Rocky Mount, NC. 4 nephews; Carl (Sharon) Borine, Eden Prairie, MN, Edward Kell, Eustis, FL, Steve Kell, Eureka, MO, and Robbie Kell, Washington, MO. Also numerous cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by 2 sons; Gerald and Dennis and 2 sisters, Hattie (Del) Borine and Genevieve (Cecil) Kell. A Memorial Service will be held 1:00 pm Monday, May 23, 2011, at the Waid Funeral Home in Merrill. The Rev. Don King will officiate. Burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park. Friends may call from 12 pm until the time of service at the funeral home.
The family requests memorials be given to the charity of your choice. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.
Previous Events
VisitationMonday, May 23, 2011
12:00 PM
- 1:00 PM
Waid Funeral Home
301 Eagle Drive
Merrill, WI 54452
Monday, May 23, 2011
1:00 PM
Merrill Memorial Park
Memorial Drive
Merrill, WI 54452
Monday, May 23, 2011
1:00 PM
Waid Funeral Home
301 Eagle Drive
Merrill, WI 54452
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