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Rich Klein
04-13-2017, 12:40 AM
I was reading the Beckett grading update and noted this story so I thought I would post it

By Ryan Cracknell | Hobby Editor

Jeff Fritsch of Larry Fritsch Cards passed away on Monday, April 10 at the age of 58.

Jeff had been involved with the his family’s business for much of his life. He took over running the company prior to his father’s death in 2007.

The Fritsch name is legendary in the hobby. The family was pioneers in the mail order side of the business. As the industry grew, their ads and catalogs were things many poured through and purchased from. It carries on today through their website as well.

Although Larry began dealing years earlier, Larry Fritsch Cards was established as a full-time business in the spring of 1970. Over time, the company’s inventory numbered in the tens of millions of cards. From its early days, it was a family affair–something that continues today.

Jeff began working for his father at a young age and made it his career after studying at the University of Wisconsin—Stevens Point.

Jeff Fritsch is survived by his wife Sue, their three children Jeremy, Jaycie and Allison, his mother Ardy, sister Jane, and three grandchildren. His funeral is scheduled for Friday, April 14 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Friends and colleagues can leave their condolences via his obituary.

Regards
Rich

oldjudge
04-13-2017, 01:07 AM
Such a young man--God rest his soul.

Rickyy
04-13-2017, 01:20 AM
Wow how sad... left us too soon. I dealt with both Larry and Jeff since I bought cards from their business as a little kid.

Ricky Y

clydepepper
04-13-2017, 03:11 AM
I dealt with Jeff and his father before him many times and was always treated fairly.

RIP

Vintagecatcher
04-13-2017, 04:40 AM
My condolences go out to the Fritsch family.

I still own many PCL cards purchased from Larry and Jeff back in the day. I remember fondly waiting for photo copies of cards I had an interest in purchasing from the Fritsch family since they didn't send scans.

My prayers and thoughts go out to the family.

Patrick McMenemy

EYECOLLECTVINTAGE
04-13-2017, 05:34 AM
Rip. Sad

2dueces
04-14-2017, 06:57 AM
Wow how sad... left us too soon. I dealt with both Larry and Jeff since I bought cards from their business as a little kid.

Ricky Y
+1

brian1961
04-14-2017, 11:16 AM
I am very saddened to hear of Jeff Fritsch's untimely demise. I am certain it was very hard and challenging every day for Jeff to to carry on with the large mail order business without his Dad. I remember they were extremely close.

May God rest his soul, and comfort and care for his loving family.

This is terribly sad; he was so young. ---Brian Powell

Yoda
04-14-2017, 12:08 PM
believe it was Larry (likely with Jeff assisting) that identified the Doyle National card as a true rarity. As the story goes, Larry ran across one of the National cards, recognized it for what it was, and then put a continuous ad in SCD offering to buy any and all T206 Doyle pitching cards. After he bought hundreds, along came another National and the rarity was established. RIP Jeff

talkinbaseball
04-14-2017, 04:26 PM
Two things i dreamed about when i was young, one was walking through the warehouse at Larry Fritsch Cards, and when i ordered my 1972 Topps Baseball set through the "Sport Hobbyist", when I saw the picture of Frank Nagy(meeting him) with the cigarette in his mouth in the magazine sorting through all his cards.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Fritsch family and all their friends,

john

jbsports33
04-14-2017, 04:55 PM
God bless him and his family

Jimmy

Rich Klein
04-26-2017, 09:26 AM
When I was doing my COMC work today -- I noticed Jeff was on a card so I figured I'd post that here

https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1982/Fritsch-Midwest-League-Stars-of-Tomorrow---Base/292/Jeff-and-Larry-Fritsch.jpg?id=a1429e6f-5f35-44db-8041-2f66cc7debd1&size=original (https://www.comc.com/Cards/Baseball/1982/Fritsch_Midwest_League_Stars_of_Tomorrow_-_Base/292/Jeff_and_Larry_Fritsch/9432442)
1982 Fritsch Midwest League Stars of Tomorrow - [Base] #292 - Jeff and Larry Fritsch
Courtesy of COMC.com (https://www.comc.com)

And how many of us wished when we were growing up we'd be on a card of some sort

brian1961
04-26-2017, 11:21 AM
When I was doing my COMC work today -- I noticed Jeff was on a card so I figured I'd post that here

https://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/1982/Fritsch-Midwest-League-Stars-of-Tomorrow---Base/292/Jeff-and-Larry-Fritsch.jpg?id=a1429e6f-5f35-44db-8041-2f66cc7debd1&size=original (https://www.comc.com/Cards/Baseball/1982/Fritsch_Midwest_League_Stars_of_Tomorrow_-_Base/292/Jeff_and_Larry_Fritsch/9432442)
1982 Fritsch Midwest League Stars of Tomorrow - [Base] #292 - Jeff and Larry Fritsch
Courtesy of COMC.com (https://www.comc.com)

And how many of us wished when we were growing up we'd be on a card of some sort

Thanks for taking the time and trouble to load up the beautiful card of a pair of gents that did a great deal for this hobby. Quite a moment in time. This has been a tough year for the hobby .....:(

Best regards to you and your family, Rich. ---Brian Powell

Rich Klein
04-26-2017, 12:32 PM
Thanks for taking the time and trouble to load up the beautiful card of a pair of gents that did a great deal for this hobby. Quite a moment in time. This has been a tough year for the hobby .....:(

Best regards to you and your family, Rich. ---Brian Powell

Thanks Brian:

My wife went to the surgeon today as her graft for dialysis failed. She will have surgery by the end of the week if all goes well. We do have a Go Fund Me Page for her (Dena Klein) in case we are fortunate and find a kidney for a transplant. Meanwhile, we're grateful for everyone who has supported us so far.

Rich