Ivan Fritsche

Ivan Stanley Fritsche was born on September 27, 1934 in Winchester, TX to parents Carl and Lillie Fritsche. He was baptized at St. Michael's Lutheran Church. 

He attended school at St. Michaels and later received his GED at the University of Houston. He later met and married the love of his life, Nancy Herbrick, on June 16, 1956. We joke that they met on the bridge at Gobels Store. 

In January 1957, he started work with National Flame and Forge Co. His career there consisted of; 2 years shop machinist, 8 years foreman of 2nd shift, 6 years Superintendent of Special Products Division, 18 years Sales Manager, 6 years of Sales with OTECO after merger with National Flame and Forge. After 40 years Ivan retired in 1997.  

They bought their dream property in Bastrop and built Nancy's dream home, Lazybrook Ranch, along with 50 head of cattle. 

He was a member of many organizations including:  ASM, American Society of Metals,  IADC, International Association of Drilling Contractors-(Houston Chapter),  AMC, American Mining Congress, ADPA, American Defense Preparedness Association, Defense Division, United States Naval Maritime Institute, and NRA, National Rifle Association of America, Golden Eagle Award in 2015.

If you spent time visiting with Ivan, you always heard his travel stories! 

Ivan passed peacefully at home in Bastrop under the care of his loving family. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Nancy, who passed on October 12, 2022, and his middle daughter, Connie, who left us on May 25, 2019. He is additionally preceded by his brother Stanley, his wife Carolyn, Brother Melvin, his wife Marian, and Brother-in-law Milton Mutschink. 

Ivan leaves behind his eldest daughter, Janet, her husband Pat of 30 years, and grandson whom he claimed as his own, Mike. Mike and his wife Natacha played a huge part in Ivan's life. Also, Pat's daughter Jamie and her son Hudson. Connie's loving family includes Don Greer, his daughters Christina, Jackie, Danielle, and their families. Margie, his youngest daughter, her husband Mark, and daughters Mari and Kenzie. He is also survived by his eldest sister, Eleanor Mutschink, of Smithville, TX. 

Ivan and Nancy loved their life in Bastrop, and they were always involved in Avon activities, Grand Ole Opry and Music followings, church group friends, and neighborhood activities, plus the farm and ranch duties. Ivan was an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman. He was known for making incredible BBQ, and enjoyed the last year of his life building model cars and smoking cigars in the garage with everyone that came to visit. 

Funeral Services for Ivan will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Winchester. 

Family and friends will gather following the cemetery service for light refreshments at the fellowship hall.