Nelda M. Fritz

Nelda M. Fritz, 96, of Monett, passed away on Feb. 12, 2026, while in the loving hands of Compassus Hospice and many caring employees of Oak Pointe Monett, who in the early years she was teaching to speak German. She was sustained for her 64-month stay by countless visits from her pastor, visiting ministries, clergy and family.
 
She was born Aug. 12, 1929, in Freistatt, the daughter of the late Max and Caroline (Schoen) Krueger. She grew up in the faith of Trinity Lutheran School and Church in Freistatt, a member of the Ladies Aid and Choir. In later years she transferred her membership to St. John’s Lutheran Church-Monett, and joined the quilters. She was a 1948 graduate of Verona High School. She spent the majority of her working years in accounting and payroll. Producing payroll for Producers Creamery-Monett; family-owned Fritz Brothers Skelly, 25 years for St. Vincents/Cox Hospital and 14 years at the International Institute for Learning, retiring at the age of 82. She was a caregiver for many years to her husband Erwin, loved to cook, play cards, enjoyed her friends in the Boot Kicker Club, believed watermelon was a food group, and loved spending time with her grandkids.
 
She was united in marriage to Erwin Fritz on Sept. 24, 1950. They had two children, Roger and Debbie.
 
She is survived by one daughter, Debbie Perch and husband Gary; daughter-in-law, Cherl Daniel Fritz; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Also remembering her are the extended family, Mark and Donna Gulliford and Bruce and Ann Stockton, along with their children and grandchildren and  a host of nieces and nephews.
 
She was preceded in death by her husband, Erwin, Feb. 19, 1992; and her son, Roger in 2006; her dear companion of 25 years, Richard Gulliford, on Feb. 19, 2020. Additionally, she was the last of all her siblings and in-laws—her brothers, Ed Krueger and wife Katie, Reno Krueger and wife Norma; in-laws, Oren and Carolyn Fritz, Ches and Melba Fleming and Roy and Ludella Conway.
 
Funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Monett. Reverend Andrew Kennell officiated. Interment was in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Freistatt. Visitation was from 9:30–10:30 a.m. at the church on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are asked to be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church-Monett or Trinity Lutheran School. Arrangements are under the direction of Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett.