Fritz Wilhelm Haegert, 79, rural Larwill, died at 11:43 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, at his home.

He was born Sept. 13, 1937 in Tilsit, East Prussia, Germany a son of Paul August Viktor and Elsa Marie (Oehlert) Haegert. Fritz grew up in East Prussia until 1944 when his family moved to Lübeck. On Feb. 22, 1952 he moved to Fort Wayne where he received an associates degree from Midwestern College in mechanical engineering. In 1973 he moved to Larwill with his family.

Fritz retired from International Harvester with 32 years of service.

On Feb. 22, 1997 he married Carol Ann Schulte. Together they shared a love of the Upper Penisula of Michigan. Mrs. Haegert died May 3, 2007.

Surviving relatives include three children: Christoph (Penny) Haegert of Larwill; Joni (Bobby) Stewart of Larwill; and Michele (Jeff) Eckrote of Akron; six grandchildren: Sheena Stewart, Adam Haegert, Ashley (Adam) Johnson, Jeffrey Eckrote, Sarah Eckrote and Anna Eckrote; and two great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Brandon Stewart, and a sister, Brigitte Bardos.

The memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7 at Sugar Creek Fellowship Church of the Nazarene, 3531 West 800 South, South Whitley with the family receiving friends after 2 p.m. The burial will be at a later date at Lakeview Cemetery, Larwill.

Preferred memorials are to the Humane Society of Whitley County.

Arrangements are entrusted to Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.