Francis Joseph Walz was born to Clarence and Elizabeth (Weiss) Walz in St. Joseph, Missouri on February 2, 1936. With loved ones by his side, he died April 8, 2019 at Bethesda Nursing Home in Beresford, South Dakota after battling and beating many health issues in the last 9 years. He was 83 years young.

Francis "Fritz" was raised in the Parkston, SD area. He served in the US Navy for two years and returned to Parkston where he married Judy Schulz of Delmont, SD on November 26, 1958. The couple lived in Parkston where he was a farmer and butcher. In 1971 they moved to Beresford where Fritz continued working as a butcher. At the age of 65, he became a business co-owner of Sherman Heating and Air Conditioning.

In his early years, Fritz had a passion for boxing, earning a Golden Gloves title. He also loved to spend leisure time tinkering with many wood creations. Hunting with his brothers and their sons and fishing the Missouri River with Judy by his side would bring much enjoyment out of life. It was sheer pleasure to witness his fun-loving side- being a jokester, a slick dancer and a flirt. His jovial smile could be felt across the room and make your heart feel happy.

Fritz was preceded in death by his wife, Judy; his parents, an infant daughter, Kelly; brother, Robert Walz and sister, Frances Walz.

Survivors include his daughter, Lori (Ron) Knutson of Beresford; three sons, Curt (Kim) Walz and her son, Bobby, and Russ (Jenna) Walz all of Sioux Falls and Perry Walz and special friend Kristin Ellison of Flower Mound, TX; three grandchildren, Kaycee, Garrett and Korey; three brothers, Ray Walz of Piedmont, Ken (Rose) Walz of Parkston and Don (Gloria) Walz of AZ; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation will be 5-7PM Friday, April 12, 2019 at Wass Funeral Home in Beresford. Funeral services will be 2:30PM Saturday, April 13, 2019 at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Beresford followed by military honors.