Nelson Hartrich Obituary

Hartrich, Nelson E. "Fritz"

Nelson "Fritz" Hartrich passed away on May 13, 2024, surrounded by family at his home in Onekama, Michigan, his favorite place on Earth. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Mary "Molly," and his daughters Kathleen McKnight, Molly (Joe) Hartrich, and Alexa James, as well as Molly's children from a previous relationship, Michael (Wendy) Scarnavack, John (Kim) Scarnavack, Molly Weeks, Daniel (Jill) Scarnavack, and Matthew (Helene) Scarnavack. Fritz was also a cherished grandfather to 25 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He leaves behind his siblings Betty (Bill) Cozzie, Barbara (Gary) Anderson, and Margaret Murray, all of whom were by his side. He is preceded in death by his parents Nelson and Rosemary Hartrich and his siblings Rosenele (Ev) Zack, Therese (Jack) Heggeland, Patty (the late Wally) Komar, John (Nancy) Hartrich, and Eva (the late Bob) Simutis. He was beloved by countless nieces and nephews. Born in Chicago on March 2, 1943, Fritz was the second of nine children. He grew up in the St. Barnabas Parish of Beverly and attended Brother Rice High School. Following in his father's footsteps, he learned the business of general contracting and went on to build a highly successful real estate development firm, Becknell Industries, alongside some of his closest friends, who supported him until the end. Fritz and Molly enjoyed their time between Edisto Island, South Carolina, Chicago, and Onekama, Michigan. Outside of his professional and family life, Fritz was a devout Catholic, attending Mass wherever he was. He lived a life guided by a profound commitment to charity, supporting scholarship funds for hundreds of families, always with deep humility. Visitation Friday from 1-8 p.m. at Donnellan Funeral Home 10525 S. Western Ave., Chicago. Family and Friends will meet Saturday directly at St. Barnabas Church 10134 S. Longwood Dr., Chicago for Mass at 10 a.m. Int. Private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to https://www.brotherrice.org/gifts-in-memory-of-nelson-fritz-hartrich-61/. For info (773) 238-0075 or sign guestbook at www.donnellanfuneralhome.com.

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