Henry Fritz

Reverend Henry Fritz, O.S.B. monk and priest of St. Bede Abbey in Peru, IL., died Sunday morning, July 6, 2014, at St. Margaret’s Hospital, Spring Valley, several days after suffering a severe stroke. Henry Harold Fritz was born April 3, 1925, the son of Henry E. and Mary (Nilles) Fritz, in Chicago, Illinois. After attending high school and college at Saint Bede, he entered the novitiate in 1945. He took his solemn vows on July 11, 1949, and was ordained a priest May 22, 1952. Fr. Henry had served as civics teacher and guidance counselor at St. Bede Academy from 1952 until 1977, when he was appointed principal. In 1985 he began a series of parish assignments throughout the Peoria diocese. He retired to the abbey in 2012. He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Mary Lenore Braddy. He is survived by two sisters, Dolores Coughlin, of Chicago and Marilyn Weber of Pontiac, and by his monastic brethren. Memorials may be directed to Saint Bede. Ptak Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. His body will be received at the St. Bede Abbey Church on Tuesday, July 8 at 4:00 p.m., and visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. with a prayer vigil at 5:15 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. at the church, with interment in the abbey cemetery. Ptak Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.