Bernard "Fritz" Michael Witzmann

Bernie "Fritz" Witzmann passed away peacefully Saturday, November 9, 2024 at his home in Rock Creek at the age of 85.

Bernard Michael Witzmann was born May 9, 1939 to Benedict and Philamina "Minnie" (Diel) Witzmann in Cold Spring, MN. He was the youngest of the children. The family moved to St. Paul where he spent his youth, graduating from Mechanic Arts High School in 1957. A prankster from a young age, his grandfather called him a snickelfritz, hence the nickname "Fritz" as he was known.

After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army military police as well as serving in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1960. He married Lois and raised three daughters: Michelle, Lisa and Christine. In 1989 he met Sandy Carlson.

Fritz was a Ramsey County deputy sheriff for 30 years, retiring in 1995. In 1996 Fritz and Sandy moved to Rock Creek/Pine City where they enjoyed many years of country living, restoring and showing classic cars, making lifelong friendships.

Fritz is survived by his loving life partner of 35 years, Sandy Carlson of Rock Creek; daughters Michelle (Scott) Martinson of Oakdale, Lisa Roth of Inver Grove Heights, Christine Witzmann of White Bear Lake; extended family Perry Carlson of Rock Creek, Michael (Tami) Carlson and their children Adam and Amanda all of Shoreview; grandchildren Jacilyn "Jazz" (Donald) Vogel, Joseph Roth all of Inver Grove Heights, Nicole (Timothy) Anderson of Arizona, Anna (Brandon) O'Rourke of South St. Paul, Ashley (Victor) Villasana of White Bear Lake, Andrew (Kara) Martinson of Shakopee; great grandchildren Vivian, Donald Jr., Shaelyn, Mayla, Nathan, Devin, Kourtney, Jayden, Logan, Brayden, Victoria, Everett and Wesley; sister Julia Piechowski of Shoreview; nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Ben and Minnie Witzmann; siblings Catherine Witzmann, Milton (Delores) Witzmann, Josephine (Sam) Bongiovanni, Benedictine Fr. Hugh Witzmann, Otto (Patricia) Witzmann and Sr. Clare Witzmann; brother-in-law James Piechowski.

Pastor Bruce Thompson will officiate at funeral services for Fritz: 2 PM; Sunday, November 17, 2024 with a time of visitation one hour prior to the service all at the Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City. The interment will take place at a later date in Ft Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City ~ Swanson Chapel

www.FuneralAndCremationService.com