Martina Schlein Fritz

Martina E. Schlein Fritz, 94, of Waukon, IA, died Tuesday, July 19, 2016, at Good Samaritan Center in Waukon. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 30th, at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church in Waukon, with Pastor Grant VanderVelden officiating. Burial will be at Monona City Cemetery, Monona, IA. Friends may call one hour before services Saturday at the church. Martin Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements.

Martina Eleanor Broderick Schlein Fritz was born to Martin and Eleanor (Aird) Broderick on May 6, 1922, in Evansville, WI. At an early age, her family moved back to Iowa. Her early education was acquired at various country schools. Martina attended Waukon High School, graduating in 1939 with a normal training teaching certificate. Being only 17 years of age, she attended one year of junior college in Waukon. Martina was always so proud of the fact that her dad owned and drove the first school bus Waukon had. In 1940, Martina accepted a position to teach in a school north of Watson, IA, known as the Figgee School. Here she met and married Bill Schlein on November 1, 1941. To this union five children were born: Janice, Judy, Jackie, David, and Donna. Jackie was killed in a farm accident on July 5, 1963. Martina attended the Monona Methodist Church in Monona, IA, for 55 years. On December 30, 1995, she married Willard Fritz and moved to Waukon. Willard died in 2005. Martina stayed in Waukon another year. In 2006, she moved in with her son in the country near Monona.

Leaving to mourn are her son David Schlein and three daughters: Janice (Lawrence) Lotza, Judy (Roger) Radloff, and Donna (Paul) Erickson and their families; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Her parents; her brother Bob; son Jackie; both husbands; and a grandson Ryan preceded her in death.

Casketbearers are Howard Van Ruler, David Hahn, Kyle Schlein, Dick Moses, Jamie Bodley, Dwayne Dennler, Paul Radloff, and Brant Schoulte.