James H. Fritsch, age 48, of Crookston, MN, died Sunday, January 15, 2012 at his home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

James Harold Fritsch was born in Ashland, WI, on June 14, 1963, the son of Harold and Mary (Nordin) Fritsch. He grew up and attended school in Wisconsin. As a young man, Jim moved to Minnesota, where he has spent the last 25 years. He met Jody Gerjets in Crookston and they were united in marriage in 1989. To this union, a son, Rueben, and a daughter, Jessica, were born. The couple later divorced but Jim remained in the area. He worked as a farm laborer and also at the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen, MN, while living in the Bejou, Winger, Mentor and Crookston areas. Together with Marie Thompson, Jim has an additional son and daughter, Rohan and Roslyn Fritsch. In April of 2011, he was diagnosed with cancer and has made his home with his oldest daughter, Jessica, at her residence near Crookston.

Jim enjoyed the simpler things in life. He didn't ask for much and was able to get by on little. He could pass the time by drawing, listening to classic rock music or just hanging out with friends and family. Jim had a passion for eagles and quite the collection.

Jim is survived by his children: Rueben Fritsch of Winger, MN, Jessica (Ben) Horgeshimer of Crookston, Roslyn and Rohan Fritsch, both of White Earth, MN; three grandchildren: Isaiah, Gabe and Isabel Horgeshimer; his mother, Mary Rossa of Milwaukee, WI; two brothers, Roy Fritsch also of Milwaukee and David (Amanda) Fritsch of Mentor, MN; a sister, Susan Fritsch also of Milwaukee; and several nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Harold Fritsch.

Memorial Services will be held Friday, January 20, 2012 at 10 am at the Anderson~Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen, MN, with a time of gathering one hour prior to the service.