Bernard Fabritz 1933~2008

FABRITZ, PORTER

Posted By: Mary Lanigan (email)
Date: 3/15/2008 at 16:35:48

Bernard Fabritz
OTTUMWA – Retired Chief Master Sergeant Bernard P. “Fab” Fabritz joined Our Lord in Heaven on March 7, 2008.

He was born in Ottumwa, Iowa on February 19, 1933 to William and Elizabeth Fabritz.Upon his graduation from Catholic Central High School in Ottumwa, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and began a distinguished career of 27 years of service to his country. While stationed in Lincoln, Neb., he met Maxine Ann Porter and they wed on February 15, 1958 in Belleville, Kan. He proudly served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and numerous campaign ribbons throughout his career.He retired from Williams Air Force Base in Chandler in 1979, then continued to work at Air Research-Garrett-Honeywell until finally retiring in 1994.He was a lifetime member of several organizations; The Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 7401, where he became the first State Commander from that post, The American Legion, Post 91, The Disabled American Veterans, Armed Forces Top Enlisted Association, 3rd Degree member of The Knights of Columbus, Council 3121 and The Fraternal Organization of the Elks.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 50 years, Maxine, his two sons, Michael (Cathy), Kenneth (Tammy), his daughter Tricia (Tom) and ten beautiful grandchildren. Also surviving him are three sisters and two brothers-in-law residing in Ottumwa, Iowa, a brother-in-law and his wife who reside in Scottsdale and several nieces and nephews.Mass was held at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 14 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Galveston Road in Chandler.Graveside services with full military honors given by the Luke Air Force Base Color-guard and bagpipes will be at Valley of the Sun Cemetery located at 10940 E. Chandler Heights Road, at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 18.In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in memory of Bernard P. “Fab” Fabritz to the V.F.W. Cancer Aid and Research Program. Donations can be sent to: V.F.W. Post 7401, 751 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler, Ariz.Obituary may be viewed at: www.legacy.com/ottumwacourier/Obituaries.asp