Frederick “Fritz” Blazel, of West Bend and formerly of Newburg, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Friday, June 19, 2026, at Cedar Lake Campus in West Bend, where he had been residing. He was 86 years old.

Fritz was born on August 31, 1939, in Newburg, the son of Bernard and Lillian (Kirst) Blazel. He grew up in Newburg and attended West Bend High School.

In 1962, Fritz began his career with Simplicity Manufacturing in Port Washington, working in production control as a forklift driver. Through dedication and hard work, he built a career that spanned 38 years before retiring in 2000.

On February 3, 1962, he married Carole Hatzinger at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Newburg.

On December 31, 1984, he married Sharon McGee at Holy Hill. She preceded him in death on December 24, 1993.

On January 13, 2000, Fritz married the love of his life, Ruth “Ruthie” Gilson, during a memorable ceremony in the West Indies. Together they shared many happy years and created countless cherished memories with family and friends.

Fritz was a proud member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local #1430 and was actively involved with Ducks Unlimited. He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and found great joy in fishing, hunting (especially deer and bear), spending time in nature, and was an avid firearms and wildlife memorabilia collector. Whether in a duck blind, in the woods, or sharing stories with friends and family, Fritz was happiest when enjoying the pursuits he loved.

He will lovingly be remembered by his wife, Ruthie Blazel; his children, Ron (Rene) Blazel and their children, Jenkin and Maddux Blazel and their families, and Wendy Blazel and her children, Dominique (Keith) Heberer and Danielle (Richard) Collette and their families. He is further survived by his six stepchildren, Craig (Julie) Thelen, Todd (Maggie) Thelen, Wendy (friend Mark) Algiers, Kelly (Mike) Matchey, John (Katrina) Meyer, and Kate (Mark) Bell, along with their families. Fritz is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends whose lives were enriched by his friendship, generosity, and good humor.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Bernadine (the late Gene) Miller.

A celebration of Fritz’s life will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the Eernisse Funeral Home, 1167 Washington Avenue, Cedarburg. Family and friends may gather for visitation from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM, with a funeral service beginning at 6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice.

The Eernisse Funeral Home is honored to serve the Blazel family. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.