Steven Wallace Fritz died on December 10‚ 2012‚ from a heart attack‚ six hours after answering his last alarm. He was born on September 5‚ 1954‚ to Wally and Dorothy Fritz. He lived his entire life in the Rothschild area. He was baptized October 10‚ 1954‚ and confirmed on May 5‚ 1968‚ at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Rothschild‚ where he attended Sunday school and Vacation Bible School as a boy.

He was a member of the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of America and participated in Little League baseball. Steve attended Rothschild Grade School and D.C. Everest Junior and Senior High‚ where he participated in the band and wrestling.

After completing his education at North Central Technical College with a degree in electrical service‚ he was employed at the Domtar Paper Mill in Rothschild as an electrician for 38 years and was a past vice president of Local 319 of U.P.I.U.

Steve was an EMS instructor for North Central Technical College‚ serving the area for 20 years. On September 25‚ 1992‚ he joined the Rothschild Fire Department‚ working his way up the ranks and was named chief on February 15‚ 2007. As chief‚ he was very proud of his department and considered the members as extended family. He knew the time and effort each one put forth and tried to be available to them if he could be of assistance.

Steve enjoyed deer hunting‚ fishing‚ camping and loved riding his Harley. He participated in many benefit rides. He had a special fondness for animals and cared for many through the years who ventured onto his property.

Steve grew up with his two sisters‚ Susan Dobrinska‚ who died of cancer on November 12‚ 2010‚ and Shelly LaPorte‚ who lives with her husband‚ Bruce‚ in Rothschild. Karen‚ his wife of 18 years‚ passed away in August‚ 2002‚ of cancer. He has two grown sons‚ Chad and Ben‚ three nephews‚ five nieces‚ and a special friend‚ Mary LaPorte.