Farewell, Dear Brother Fritz

Fritz Morawetz, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and longtime member of the BL7 Ward, passed into eternity on Saturday, October 24, 2020.  "Francis" on his birth certificate was the oldest child of Elsworth Morawetz and Helen Edwina Myers born in January 1933 in Lawrence, Kansas. 

Fritz, because of his father’s service in the U. S. Army during and after WWII, lived in 26 different locations around the world before his high school graduation from the Tokyo American High School, where one of his closest friends was a Buddhist Priest.  He later graduated from Ogden High School after his family returned to Utah.  Like his father, donated a few years of his life in the military, serving in the U. S. Navy.

 

Fritz earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Utah State University, then began what would become his lifelong career with Western Airlines (later incorporated into Delta Airlines).

Fritz married Doris Gayle Christofferson in August 1955. Their earthly marriage lasted 63 years during which time they enjoyed traveling the world, exposing Kristin, Kirk and Kim to a world of culture, art, and music. They particularly enjoyed Hawaii and Europe, exploring their Danish and Austro-Hungarian family homelands.

 

Another pleasure which Fritz enjoyed up until his last days was the family cabin located at Soapstone in the Uintah Mountains. He was always happiest sitting on the front porch waiting for guests and family to come for visits. Not surprisingly, Fritz had a great love of nature, birds and plants, and creatures of every size and shape. He was also shortly preceded in death by his beloved companion, Fox, a sheltie collie who was a prized family member.

 

Fritz was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in various callings - a favorite was his mission on temple square in Salt Lake City where he and Gayle served together for many years. They also enjoyed sharing their love of family history, and temple service in St. George, Utah where they have owned a home for 20 years.

 

Fritz will be missed greatly by his family and his many lifelong friends and associates from West Valley City and Saint George. He loved his peaceful and comfortable home in Saint George, his attentive and kind neighbors, and the many years he and Gayle spent there together.

 

Fritz was preceded in death by Gayle; grandson Cole Morawetz; sister Marilyn Morawetz Bucher; daughter-in-law Teree Wilson Morawetz; and his parents, Morey and Helen.

 

Fritz is survived by his daughters Kristin (Norm) Klein and Kim (Brent) Petersen; and son Kirk (Teree) Morawetz. Fritz leaves behind a legacy of 11 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, who all loved their grandpa-great immensely.

 

The family regrets they are unable to honor him more traditionally but are planning a celebration of his life next summer at his favorite cabin home.

CATCHING UP: Emma Tharp is baptized

Emma Tharp, third child / second daughter of Adam and Dominique Tharp, stepped into the waters of baptism on August 1, 2020 holding the hand of her daddy whose priesthood authority made her one of the newest members of the Church of Jesus Christ and confirmed upon her the Gift of the Holy Ghost. 

 This very special service was shared with one of her cousins from Salt Lake who was baptized immediately after Emma while parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends and others witnessed the sacred ordinance performed in-person or on Zoom.  

 

The Bloomington Elementary School 3^rd grader said of her experience, “the water was colder than I thought it would be, but it felt so good to be baptized by my dad.”  

 

Emma’s mom calls her “a big helper who loves to read and go hiking with her family.”

CATCHING UP: Emelia Christensen is new church member

Emelia Christensen, oldest of Dan and Katie Christensen’s four daughters, was baptized and confirmed by her Dad on August 8, 2020 in Ogden so all her grandparents and an uncle could be present in-person for her special day.  

Millie’s mom remembers, “she looked so beautiful.  She and I picked out the fabric and a pattern at Joann’s then made her dress together.  Before her baptism, she thought about it long and hard … and asked lots of questions. She wanted to be ready.”  

 

Another special moment for the Bloomington Elementary School 3^rd grader was sharing her day with her baby sister, 6 ½ month old Elissa Ruth who was blessed by her daddy, immediately following the baptism. 

 

Sister Christensen describes her oldest daughter as “a special and very sweet girl, super smart, creative and especially enjoys arts and crafts, loves reading and has good values. She is honest, courteous, is quiet but strong and loves pizza, curry and eggs.”