AVA – Larry R. Fritsche, 66, of Ava passed away at 10:20 AM, Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at his home in Ava in the loving arms of wife, Pam, and daughters, Niki, and Heather.

Larry was born on May 18, 1951, in Highland, Illinois the son of Erwin H. and Virginia (Claussen) Fritsche. He married Pamela R. Maurer, on May 28, 1971 in DeSoto. He was a farmer and tax assessor for 7 townships in Jackson, County. Mr. Fritsche was a member of the Christ Lutheran Church in Jacob, and a member at and past director of the Jackson County Farm Bureau, active in the Jackson County Soil and Water District, DuQuoin Saddle Club, and Christ Lutheran Church Council.

Mr. Fritsche is survived by his wife Pam R. Fritsche of Ava, daughters; Niki (Zack) Ziarnek, of Ava, and Heather (Steve) Casner, of Cypress, Illinois, 6 grandchildren; Cate Ziarnek, Conlee Ziarnek, BJ Boren, Courtney Boren, Mackenzie Casner, and Logan Casner. He is also survived by 1 brother; Rev. James (Nancy) Fritsche, of Edmonton, Alberta Canada, 1 sister; Michelle (Mike) Smith, of Ava.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, and 2 infant sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, October 28, 2017 at the Christ Lutheran Church in Jacob, with Rev. Mike Kettner officiating, and burial will follow at the Glenn Cemetery, Rockwood. Visitation will be held on Friday evening at the Wilson's Funeral Home in Ava where friends may call from 5 to 8 PM, and then on Saturday from 7:30 to 9 at the funeral home and from 10 to 11 at the church. Memorials may be made to Glenn Cemetery, or Christ Lutheran School.