Fritz John Urbanek Jr.

Fritz John Urbanek Jr. born the only child of Fritz John Urbanek Sr. and Sophia (Johansen) Urbanek, in Ellsworth, Kansas.
Fritz had many aunts, uncles, and cousins as his father was one of 13 children. 

Fritz learned his legendary work ethic working at the family farm in Holyrood, Kansas. He operated farm equipment, tended stock and learned the art of fixing anything he set his mind to. He graduated from Holyrood High School in 1954 then graduated from Kansas State University in 1959 with a Civil Engineering Degree. 

During college Fritz did surveying work with the Park Service in Grand Teton National Park, where he met his first wife, Sharon (Quick). They had two children, Stephen Brett and Lori Leanne. 

After graduation Fritz moved on to work for the FAA as a Supervisory Civil Engineer. During his long career he moved throughout the Western Region, and in 1978, Tehran, Iran. He was one of a select few chosen to improve and modernize the airport there. The family was evacuated back to the states due to the Iranian Revolution. 

Fritz retired in Salt Lake City, Ut January 1996. 

Fritz was a family man and while working in Salt Lake City met his second wife, Donna (Johnson) while playing bridge, which was his favorite pastime.
They married in 1967 and had one daughter, Cristi Dee. Fritz was stepfather to Donna’s daughters, Vickie and Terri. Fritz and Donna celebrated 55 years of marriage in 2022. 

Fritz valued hard work and generosity from his childhood on the farm and throughout his life. He loved his garden, tending roses, planting trees, helping others, and shopping! Whether making cherrywood clocks in his shop, baking kolaches in the kitchen, or hunting for bargains at the store, Fritz had a zest for creativity and frugality. 

Fritz traveled the world and had wonderful memories with family and friends which almost alway included playing bridge or hearts, which as it turns out, he was a master at both. 

Fritz was preceded in death by his parents Fritz J. Urbanek Sr. and Sophia Urbanek, and Stepdaughter, Vickie Pratt (Robert). 

His heartbroken family survivors include Wife Donna, son Stephen (Sally), Daughters Lori and Cristi (John), Step Daughter Terri, 2 former Sons-in-Law Bob, and Ken, Grandchildren Mindy (Alex), Jeremy, Brennen (Brittney), Brandy (Nate), Austin (Emily), and Justin. Great Grandchildren Evelyn and Timothy, loyal beloved Dog Ashley.

A Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, November, 12, 2022 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City.  Guests are encouraged to use the parking and entrance on the north side of the building.