Michael J. Fritsch, 63, of Sparta died Monday, October 29, 2007 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Tomah. He was born on June 30, 1944 in Sparta to Robert and Darlene (Squires) Fritsch. He grew up in Sparta and graduated from Sparta High School. He served in the U.S. Navy from June 19, 1962 until being discharged on June 25, 1965. He married the former Eileen Brueggeman. They were later divorced.

     He was a bartender and lived in Sparta, Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. He returned to Sparta and worked as manager of the American Legion Post 100, Sparta for many years. He was a life member of the V.F.W. Post 2112 and a life member of the American Legion Post 100.

     He is survived by his son, Todd (Sherri) Fritsch of Sparta; three grandchildren, Ashley (Christopher) Blazek of Black River Falls, Krista Fritsch of Sparta, Lucas Fritsch of Sparta; siblings, Robert (Linda) Fritsch of Tomah, David Fritsch of Tomah, Mary Beth (James) Doyle of Sanford, FL, Debbie (Jerry) Lerza of Winterpark, FL, Beverly (Mike) Kiesling of Onalaska, WI, Patti Thorson of Hobe Sound, FL, Mark Thorson of Wilton, WI, Kenneth (Wanda) Thorson of Wilton; nieces, and nephews.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, and a step mother, Barbara Sefried.

     Memorial services will be Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta with Father James Leary officiating.

     Military honors provided by the V.F.W. Post 2112 and the Americal Legion Post 100 will be Thursday at 3 p.m. at the American Legion Post 100.

     Friends may call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home on Thursday from 1 p.m. until the time of services.

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta is assisting the family with arrangements.