Frederick “Fritz” L. Wys

Frederick “Fritz” L. Wys, 79, of Lewistown passed away at 4:20 PM Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born September 16, 1941 in Lewistown the son of Elmer G. and Jeanette E. (Guiher) Wys. He married Jan Barker on December 22, 2001 in Lewistown. She survives.

Also surviving are five children, Kurt P. Wys of New Berlin, Kathy (Kyle) Keefauver of

Glasford, Heidi Jo (Jim Simmons) Wys of Bartonville, Sarah Oller of Cuba, and one stepdaughter, Kara (Lewis) Pigg of Canton, two sisters, Barbara Simpson and Clara Kay (Charles) Nott both of Lewistown, and ten grandchildren, Adeline, Henry, Kaylee, Kaleb, Kenna, Byron, Alex, Joey, Jacy and Avery. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Clyde Wys and one step-son, John B. Barker.

Fritz was a lifelong farmer. He also worked as a machinist at Caterpillar retiring after 38 1/2 years and a member of the UAW Local 974. Fritz was a Vietnam veteran and served in the US Army from 1966-67. He was a member of the Lewistown United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir, the Fulton County Farm Bureau and the ABA Bowling Association. Fritz was an avid Los Angeles Dodgers fan. He loved his family and would do anything for them. He enjoyed hunting with family and friends, bowling, watching his children and grandchildren play ball, and he pitched many years of slow pitch softball at the ballfield & in the backyard. Fritz enjoyed life. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone in need.

A private family service will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2020 with Reverend Shane Smith officiating. 

Public graveside service will be held at 2:45 pm in Oak Hill Cemetery at Lewistown with military services conducted by the Lewistown VFW Post 5001 and the Lewistown American Legion Post 533. Anyone attending the graveside service will be required to maintain social distancing and to wear a mask.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lewistown United Methodist Church or the Lewistown Rescue Squad. The family will plan a celebration of life at a later date. Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown is assisting the family with arrangements. To view Fritz’s life tribute video or to send online condolences visit henrylange.com.