Edward James Fitzgerald

Edward James ‘Fitz' Fitzgerald, Jr. was born July 3, 1923, in Wellsville, OH, the son of Edward James Fitzgerald and Mabel Baker Fitzgerald. He passed from this world at 6:46pm on Friday, Oct. 23, 2009, at home while surrounded by his loving family. Fitz enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1941 and served 22 years active duty and 8 years reserve duty. He retired from the Marine Corps June1, 1972. During this time he worked in Communications Intelligence, and during WWII, worked with the Code Talkers, as well as serving in Guam, and the South Pacific Theater. Fitz also served 2 tours of duty in Korea. After retiring from the Marine Corps, Fitz was employed by Swartzlander Motors in the accounting department and Jamar-Ruby in Michigan City as a computer operator. While stationed in Quantico, VA, Fitz met Emma Louise Kruger of New Buffalo, MI. They were married on Dec. 6, 1947. They and their family settled in New Buffalo after Fitz's retirement from active duty in the Marine Corps. Fitz was very active in the Masonic Lodge. In the past he served as Worshipful Master of the Three Oaks Masonic Lodge #239 of the Scottish Rite, also serving many years as the secretary. Fitz also is a past Emminent Commander of the Commandry, and past Excellent High Priest and was secretary for many years of the chapter. The Thrice Illustrious Master of the Council, and member of Knights Templar Royal Arch Priest Blue Lodge of the York Rite. Fitz loved to do needlework and took great joy in giving of his ‘Grin and Bear It' pieces to all he met. He enjoyed doing both plastic canvas needlework, as well as counted cross stitch, which his wife introduced him to, to keep him out of mischief after his retirement. He always said that if Roosevelt Grier could do needlepoint, he could do cross stitch. Fitz is survived by his loving wife Emma, daughters Karen(Rick)Mills of Chicago, IL, and Nancy(Al Markunas)Burns of Three Oaks, MI; a son Michael(Karen)Fitzgerald of Hudson Lake, IN; grandchildren Rick(Yvette)Nace, Lisa(Jeff)Locke, Paul David Robinson, Jeremy(Emily)Mills, Ian(Dora)Mills and Nina Akey; great grandchildren Anna and Jordyn Nace, Evan and Isabelle Locke and Jeremiah Mills; sisters Evelyn McIntosh and Carrie Ann McMahon. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Maude Prince and Ilene Dobson. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2:00pm, at the Sommerfeld-Smith Family Funeral Home of New Buffalo, Mi. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, New Buffalo, MI. Visitation is on Tuesday at the funeral home from 3:00-8:00pm. Masonic Funeral Rites will be conducted at 7:30pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice At Home of St. Joseph, or to St. John United Church of Christ of New Buffalo. Friends wishing to leave a message of condolence, or to sign the family guestbook, may do so at www.sommerfeldsmith.com