Fretz, Joseph C. (1886-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Sep 6 p. 3

Birth date: 1886

text of obituary:

J. C. FRETZ, KITCHENER, WAS RETIRED TEACHER & BOOK STORE MANAGER

Kitchener, Ont. — Waterloo County lost one of its well known Mennonite leaders when Joseph C. Fretz, 70, of Centreville suffered a heart seizure on Wednesday evening, August 22, 1956, and died behind the wheel of his car at Kitchener city limits. He and his wife were on their way to prayer meeting.

Mr. Fretz had stopped to purchase gas and oil for his car and drove from the service station yard. After stopping, he slowly drove across the highway onto the boulevard, bringing the car to rest against a post, turned off the switch and passed away. Death was attributed to a heart attack.

Mr. Fretz was a member of the Shantz Mennonite Church at Baden, Ontario, where he also served as deacon. He was well known as former manager of the Golden Rule Book Store, Kitchener, from which position he retired in 1955. He was a former public school teacher and an ardent student of Mennonite history.

The funeral was held on Sunday afternoon, August 26 at the First Mennonite Church, Kitchener, with a second service taking place at the Wideman Mennonite Church, Markham, prior to burial in the Wideman Cemetery. Rev. Leslie Witmer and Rev. Simon Martin conducted the services.

Surviving are his wife, the former Martha Reesor, two sons and two daughters.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1956 Sep 13 p. 8

text of obituary:

JOSEPH C. FRETZ

Joseph C. Fretz, 70, of Centreville, Ontario suffered a heart seizure and died behind the wheel of his car on Highway 8 Wednesday evening, Aug. 22. His wife was seated beside him.

Mr. Fretz was manager of the Golden Rule Book Store, Kitchener, until his retirement in 1955. He was born in Markham, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Manasseh Fretz. He was married in Markham in 1918 to the former Martha Reesor.

Mr. Fretz was a member of Shantz Mennonite Church, Baden.

Surviving besides his wife are two sons, John of Salem, ore. said Walter of Toronto; two daughters, Mrs. Cyril (Ruth) Gingrich of Toronto, Mrs. Clayton (Pauline) Cressman of Moorefield; five brothers, Samuel and Oren of Stouffville, Edward of Markham, Lewis of Selkirk, Ont., Fred of St. Jacobs; four sisters, Mrs. Chris Smith of Kitchener, Mrs. Elvin Snyder of Puerto Rico, Mrs. Orval Weber of Petersburg, and Mrs. Vernice Hoover of Selkirk.

Funeral services were conducted Sunday, Aug. 26, at the First Mennonite Church of Kitchener and the Wideman Mennonite Church, Markham, with burial in the Wideman cemetery. Rev. Leslie Witmer and Rev. Simon Martin officiated.