Steven E. Fritz

On April 11, 2024 Steven Eugene Fritz, aged 74, of Rye, Colorado passed away from complications due to hip surgery. Preceded in death by his parents, Marvin & Marge, and his brother Tim; Steve is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Sheila, four children Steve, Josh (Heather), Zech and Melissa, uncle Jim, sister Debbie, brother Mark, 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Born on March 10, 1950 in Falls City, Nebraska, Steve moved to Colorado with his family in 1963.

As an entrepreneur, Steve built a sheet metal business with over 40 employees in Thornton called Precision Design and Manufacturing. This successful venture had notable customers including Lockheed Martin and QualMark. In 1998 he decided to follow his dream of becoming a rancher and moved to Rye with his beloved wife to keep a black angus herd, and later a longhorn herd, among acres of oak and pine. He helped to engineer and build a greenhouse for Rye elementary to ensure that the children there learned how to grow food along with their other studies. Walking the property, building large earthworks & ponds, fly fishing, researching the family histories, and gardening with permaculture techniques were some of his favorite activities. He lived with Parkinson’s the last 8 years of his life. Steve was a kind and loving man with a sharp intelligence and a tender heart. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

There will be a small memorial, held at the family home on June 8. If you would like to send flowers to the bereaved, please contact one of the family members for delivery information. The family requests any donations be made in his honor to Ecosystem Restoration Communities organization: https://www.ecosystemrestorationcommunities.org/ as the restoration of the earth was something Steve was passionate about.

Online condolences at davismortuary.com