Fritz Pumper

February 20, 1933 - October 10, 2024

Francis G. “Fritz” Pumper, age 91, of New Prague, died peacefully with his family at his side at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center on Thursday, October 10, 2024. Fritz was born on February 20, 1933, in Lonsdale, to Frank and Rose (Malecha) Pumper. He graduated from New Prague High School and served in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict, serving stateside as a mechanic making sure the planes and jets needed were in stellar condition for the war effort. Fritz married Delores “Babe” Kajer on May 22, 1954, in New Prague, where they would work and raise their family of ten children. Fritz worked as a miller, first for Webster Co-Op Feed Mill and then Conagra, retiring at age 62. In retirement, he enjoyed numerous “fun” jobs, feeding his work ethic and his outgoing personality!

Fritz was extremely proud of his involvement with the American Legion, earning a plaque for loyal service of 22 years. He furthered his training in the air force with a lifelong interest and knowledge about planes, enjoyed visiting museums and sharing his knowledge with whomever was willing to listen! Likewise, he was a voracious reader of anything that had to do with history, particularly involving world wars. He was a wealth of information and enjoyed many a backyard conversation with his neighbors. His yard was a source of much pride for Fritz and he loved the work involved in making sure he had that perfect “green lawn”. There was nothing better than time in the backyard bird-watching and visiting. Fritz and Babe looked forward every year to their annual month spent at their son’s home in Virginia right after Labor Day. It was here that they would eagerly attend every Nascar race, proud members of the Dale Earnhardt fan club! Fritz’s love of people, his willingness to engage in ready conversation, and his upbeat personality will be missed by all who knew him.

Fritz is survived by his children, David (Theresa) Pumper of New Prague, Susie (David) McCollister of New Prague, Jane (Michael) Bisek of New Prague, Diane (Rick) Giesen of New Prague, Julie (Robert) Oeffling of Milaca, Mary (Tim) Carlson of New Market, Mark (Stacey) Pumper of Aylett, VA, Sara (Mark) Parriott of Webster, Neil (Julie) Pumper of New Prague, Nathan (Regina) Pumper of Le Center; 23 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Babe, on November 28, 2015; grandson, Matthew McCollister; brother, LeRoy Pumper; sister, Gladys Sandberg.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, October 18, 2024, at 10:00 AM, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Eugene Theisen officiating. Mass will be live-streamed on npcatholic.org. Visitation will take place Thursday, the 17th from 4-7 PM and Friday morning from 7:30-9:30 at Bruzek Funeral Home. Burial will occur at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery where military honors will be provided by the New Prague Area Veterans Honor Guard. Lunch will follow at the Legion Clubroom.

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Mary Slavik
19 days ago

Sorry for your loss

Dean Podratz
20 days ago

We have lived across the street from Fritz and Babe the last 20 years. Wonderful couple. We missed Babe so much. Fritz was like a father to me. So enjoyable to talk to. So many memories of visiting with him. He always cared about us and our family. A great, great man who will be very missed by our whole neighborhood. Rest assured that he is reunited with Babe and in God’s glory! Our thoughts and prayers to the whole family.

Pat Goggins
21 days ago

Very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed my visits with Fritz when he would check on Neil’s place anytime he was on vacation….which sure was often. He always had a big smile and made you feel good just talking to him.

Jon & Debra Casey
22 days ago

Our deepest condolences. Fritz will be missed.

Kathy Sticha
23 days ago

Sorry for your loss. Prayers of strength to help guide you through this.

Scott Schanus
23 days ago

Sorry for your loss of Fritz. Very wonderful person to talk with. My sympathy to the family and friends.

Sheila Mach
23 days ago

I’m so sorry for your loss. Fritz was such a fantastic neighbor, alway a smile, my daughters loved talking with him. May the memories keep you smiling for years

Josie Ceplecha
24 days ago

Our deepest sympathy to the Pumper Family. What a great guy Fritz was.

Lisa McDaniel
24 days ago

So sorry for the families huge loss.

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