Cerel Merritt Fritz, Jr.

January 3, 1946 - September 27, 2020

Cerel Merritt Fritz, Jr., 74, of Charlotte, died Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Lansing. Cerel was born January 3, 1946, in Charlotte, MI, the son of Cerel and Helen (Foster) Fritz. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1966 and served one year at Oxnard AFB, California, first with the 432nd TFS, then in Form IV Section, finally as Base Aircraft Dispatcher. He spent the rest of the 4 year tour serving as an Air Operation Spec at Royal Air Force Base in Woodbridge, England with 78th TFS; TDY-141 days at Wheelus AFT, Libya; and 49 days at Incerlik AFB, Turkey. He was honorably discharged in 1970 with the rank of SSGT. Upon his return, he worked 14 years as a tool and die operator at Lundberg Screw Products in Lansing, followed by various time spent at Harris Machine and Tool Co. in Marne, MI, TRW Mission in Houston, TX, and Capital Tool and Die Co. in Williamston, MI. He briefly co-owned and operated Fritz’s Hook-Line and Sinker bait shop and later owned CMF Tackle in Lansing and Charlotte. He also worked at several other companies, including Dart Container in Mason, Novex Tool Co. in Howell, Lindell Drop Forge, Robert R. Campbell, Inc., Jet Die-Barnes Group Inc., and Wohlert Corp., all in Lansing. In the meantime he enjoyed watching NASCAR, Fishing, jigsaw puzzles, making fishing tackle, stamp and coin collecting, and reading science fiction. Cerel is survived by his sister, Margaret Lumbert; niece, Heather Church; nephew, Zakk Lumbert; grand-nephew, Kollin Perpignani; grand-niece, Mikaylin Perpignani; great-grandniece, Abigail Perpignani; great-grandnephew, Konner Perpignani; and his best friends, Mike “Ernie” Keehn, Phil Thompson, and Terry Reddish. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, David Fritz. A graveside service for both Cerel and David will take place in the Spring of 2021. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Cerel on his Tribute Page at www.PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.