Rev. Edwin V. Fitz 1971-1986

Pastor Edwin V. Fitz was the longest serving Senior Pastor in Trinity, Traverse City's history. He was known for his gentle, peace loving  and caring nature; his generosity which was so great it was nearly a fault; his enthusiastic support of the community events and his long and profound friendships.

The Reverend Fitz was born on June 2, 1923 in Independence, Kansas, the son of Julius and Emma (Baden) Fitz. He was baptized on June 6, 1923 at Zion Lutheran Church in Independence. By the Lord's grace Pastor Fitz entered his eternal rest at age 83 on April 19, 2007 at the United Memorial Hospital in Greenville, MI after a long illness.

The Reverend Fitz was a devoted pastor for over 55 years who loved his Lord and never tired of helping those less fortunate. He was ordained as a pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Detroit, Michigan on September 14, 1947. Pastor Fitz returned to St. John’s College in 1950 as the Dean of Students, as well as an Assistant Professor and Baseball Coach. It was during this stay at St. John’s College that he met his future wife, Beverly May Lemata. They were married on June 14, 1953.

Pastor Fitz then moved on to serve as the pastor for several different churches, including: Calvary Lutheran Church in Wellington, Kansas (1954-1957), Redeemer Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan (1957-1971), Trinity Lutheran Church in Traverse City, Michigan (1971-1986), Nativity Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Michigan (1986-1987), and at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marquette, Michigan, where he was Pastor Emeritus (1987-2007). While living in the Upper Peninsula, he also served as the vacancy pastor for six different churches, and was very well known throughout Northern Michigan’s Missouri Synod Lutheran churches.

Reverend Fitz graduated from high school at the St. John’s Academy in Winfield, Kansas. He then earned degrees at St. John’s College in Winfield, Kansas and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. Later, he attended the University of Denver in Denver, Colorado where he received a Masters of Arts degree in English. While at St. John’s College, he played baseball and basketball. He was also the captain of the baseball team and he had a batting average of .458. He also played baseball at Concordia Seminary. Pastor Fitz kept his love of sports throughout his life and always enjoyed watching his children’s and grandchildren’s games.
 

He passed away Thursday, April 19, 2007,  after an extended illness.   The funeral was held at Redeemer, Marquette on Sunday, April 22 , 2007. Memorials were requested for Lutheran World Relief.

Pastor Fitz is survived by his three daughters, Mary (Al) Miller of Elgin, Illinois, Janice Fitz of Chicago, Illinois and Carolyn (Kurt) Whisman of Sterling, Virginia; and two sons, Victor Fitz of Cassopolis, Michigan and Grant (Julie) Fitz of Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beverly; brothers, Albert, Carl and Jules, who was killed in action in World War II; and a sister, Helen, who died at age 16.

Trinity held a memorial service for Pastor Fitz on July 1, 2007.   It was well-attended.