Gary L. Fritchen

Gary L. Fritchen, 56, Ft. Worth, TX, a former long-time Rockford resident, died peacefully in his home on Saturday, August 31, 2013, surrounded by loving family members. Born August 27, 1957, in Rockford, son of Bernie and Janet Fritchen. Graduated from Jefferson High School in 1976. Married Nancy Rader on October 11, 1980. Former member of Maywood Evangelical Free Church.
In addition to his wife, Nancy, Gary's survivors include children, Jenna (Josh) Prescott, Luke Fritchen, Logan Fritchen, and Will Fritchen; twin grandsons, Gunner and Gage Prescott; parents, Bernie and Janet Fritchen; a sister, Barb (Jim) Higdon; brothers, Mike (Jolyn) Fritchen, David Fritchen, Ben (Stacy) Fritchen; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his grandparents.
Gary was connected to the land through landscaping for decades, having planted his first tree when he was just 16 years old. From 1980 to 2004, he ran Fritchen's Nursery in Rockford, Illinois. He and his family moved to Ft. Worth, Texas, in 2004, where he started Fossil Creek Tree Farm. The family operated that business until 2011, when they sold it and began Fritchen's Outdoor Creations, also in Ft. Worth.
Gary was very creative and always up for a challenge. He didn't have much of a "bucket list," because he just pursued whatever interested him, whether it was fast cars, planting groves of trees, or shaping raw land into a unique home for his family.
Gary never met a stranger, and naturally lived his faith both in and outside of church. In fact, his innate sense of Christian hospitality sometimes resulted in his bringing homeless folks into his home for a meal and a shower.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Gary loved to hear his grandsons call him "Pop." He enthusiastically supported his children in the many sports they participated in, and could often be heard cheering for both them and their team members. His passing will leave a big gap not only in the lives of his immediate family but in the lives of his extended family and of his dozens of friends.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 9, 2013, at Stonebridge Church, located at Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 406 N. Main Street, with the Rev. Scott Nesse officiating. A private family burial will take place. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Go Far Ministries. The family invites you to express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com. The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel.