Fred Edward "Fritz" Zuger

Fred Edward “Fritz” Zuger, 83, longtime Whitman County and Waitsburg area resident, passed away on February 9, 2016 from age related complications while fishing on the Snake River. Graveside services with Masonic Rites will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 19, 2016 at the Blue Mountain Memorial Gardens in Walla Walla. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Colfax.

Fritz was born on June 24, 1932 to C.V. “Shanty” and Florence (Buroker) Zuger at their farmhouse near Bolles Junction, between Prescott and Waitsburg, Washington. He grew up there, attending the Bolles Junction school for six years before entering the Waitsburg school district, graduating from high school there in 1950. During high school, Fritz played basketball for Waitsburg and was selected as a member of the “All County” team. After high school, Fritz attended Washington State College (now WSU) where he helped start their first inter-collegiate rodeo team.

Fritz met the love of his life, Patricia Mae Wehe, and the couple married on November 14, 1954. They made their home in Waitsburg until moving to a ranch north of Dusty in 1962. They operated a wheat and cattle ranch for many years there and he remained active, even after moving to Colfax in 1986. Fritz was well known for his cattle and registered quarter horses. He always loved to participate in rodeos and was well known for his calf roping.

Fritz was a member of the United Methodist Church, past Master of the LaCrosse Masonic Lodge, a member of the El Katif Shrine, Scottish Rite, past president of the Whitman County Shrine Club and a former 50 year member of the Elks Lodge. He served two terms on the Endicott school board and served various terms as a board member for the Dusty Co-Op, the Circle P Advisory, LaCrosse Grain Growers, the Grain Terminal Association, and the Palouse Empire Fair.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cards and following all sports. Most recently he enjoyed watching his grandkids compete in sports and county fair projects. In retirement, he and Pat enjoyed traveling in their RV. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather as well as a wonderful friend to all who knew him.

Fritz is survived by his sons Robert (Kathy) Zuger of Walla Walla and Scott (Heidi) Zuger of Colfax; daughter Susan (Tom) Riebold of Colfax; brother Bill (Jan) Zuger of Walla Walla and sisters-in-law Dorothy Mech of Pasco and Kay (Stan) Riebold of Endicott. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Desiree & Brian Elkin, Joseph & Brandi Zuger, Samantha Zuger, Nichole & David Zuger-Cheney, Treavor & Rachel Zuger, Stephani & Levi Dennis, Shane Riebold, Josie Riebold; and four great-grandchildren, Jack & Brock Elkin, Kristoffer Cheney and Rhett Zuger. Fritz was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, in 2014 as well as his parents.

Memorial contributions in Fritz’s honor are suggested to the Colfax United Methodist Church or the Union Gospel Mission. Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at http://www.bruningfuneralhome.com