Obituary of Fritz Georg Lotz

April 28, 1935 – Gera, Germany

November 30, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Fritz Georg Lotz, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at the age of 88 years.

Fritz Georg Lotz was born April 28, 1935, in Gera, Thuringia Germany, only child of Melanie and Fredrich Lotz. In 1958 Fritz took a ship across the Atlantic Ocean with his intrepid friends: Sam, and lifetime friend Horst Grothman. Entertaining the ship's passengers by playing the piano was one of his favorite memories. This made the long voyage fun and provided extra beer for the young lads. Up until his death, Fritz loved playing the piano.

Arriving in Canada, not knowing a word of English, Fritz settled in Edmonton and learned English immediately at night school. He was envied by his friends because he worked in the warm bakery where he could acclimate to Canadian winters. Moving to Calgary after a few years, he started his own business; Val's Donuts. This was long before Tim Hortons or any other donut franchises existed in Canada. Many older Calgarians have nostalgic fond memories of their donut and pastries. After selling his business, Fritz became a very successful representative of Kirkland and Rose, and Gumbert's Food Products.

Fritz was married to Heather Herron and had two children and three stepchildren: Trent Lotz (Teresa), Dean Lotz (deceased), Lacee Olson (Roy), Kirsten Prochaska (Michael), Melanie Cristine “Cricket” Wells (Michael) as well as grandchildren Chelsea, Keara, Rhys, Nerissa, Austin, Zeena and Kavan, and great grandchildren, Piper, and Issac.

Fritz had a great love of the outdoors and nature, fishing and hiking in the Canadian Rockies was one of his favorite pastimes in his younger years. He loved soccer or “Fussball”, traveling to many different countries to see the World Cup in person over the years. The Culinary Arts were not lost on Fritz, he created many delicious meals for crowds of people. Accompanying his food was his homemade wine that he was very proud of. Many housewives learned how to properly make a turkey and gravy for the first time because of Fritz, much to his friend's happiness and relief. Playing cards was also something Fritz enjoyed very much –reoccurring monthly card games of Skat and Doppelkopf with lifelong friend and fellow World cup fan, Bernd Kiesewetter were highlights for him.

After a lengthy illness, on Nov 30, 2023, Fritz transitioned from this world to the Great Forest in the Sky. Fritz will be remembered and loved for many reasons, and he will be greatly missed.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Fritz’s family here.

In living memory of Fritz Lotz, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.