Obituary of Joan Frances Fritza

Parkston – Joan Frances Fritza, 94, went to her heavenly home on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Avera Bormann Manor in Parkston. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 24, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Parkston. Visitation will be Thursday, October 23, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service,at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Parkston. Following the visitation and Funeral Mass, there will be a time of fellowship at the American Legion in Parkston. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joan’s memory are preferred and may be directed to the Mitchell Catholic Foundation, St. Jude’s Research Hospital or an organization of your choosing.  Click here to be directed to the Mitchell Catholic Foundation.

Joan was born May 19, 1931, in Monroe, South Dakota, to Frank and Olive (Wintrode) Schlumpberger. Joan graduated from Parkston High School in 1949. After graduation, she worked in Minneapolis as a secretary for her uncle before returning to South Dakota, where she worked at  Educator Supply in Mitchell. On May 14, 1955, she married Norbert George Fritza at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Parkston. Together, they made their home on the family farm near Parkston, where they raised their family and built a life rooted in love, faith, and community.

As her children grew, Joan dedicated her time to her family and community. She worked as an accountant at Statz Drug for several years, and later worked at Rosanne’s Clothing Store. She was a devoted member of the Catholic Daughters Association for over 50 years, participated in the Altar Society, taught 2nd grade CCD, and was active in Bible Study Club. She was a member of the Corn Palace Polka Club, and the Red Hats. She enjoyed ballroom dancing, traveling, and taking cruises with her friends.  She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, especially spending time with family, friends and neighbors, and was also an avid card player.

Grateful for having shared her life are her four daughters: Paulette (Steve) Hohn of Parkston; Kay (Todd) Long of Mitchell; Karen (Bob) Van Zee of Parkston; and Jarilyn (James) Mahoney of Parkston; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Art (Joan) Schlumpberger of Harrisonville, Missouri, and Francis (Mary) Schlumpberger of Rapid City.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Norbert; son, Timothy John; two sisters, Anita and Rita; and three brothers, LeRoy, Dennis, and Bernard.