William Frederick “Fritz” Weidig
William Frederick “Fritz” Weidig passed on to his eternal home at 8:40 am, on 12/31/2022 at The Oaks at Bethesda, celebrating his heavenly homecoming on New Year’s Eve! This is the Story of his Life:
He was born in Zanesville, OH on October 6,1928, the only child of Mildred Esther Foy Weidig and Frederick William Weidig. His mother and father preceded him in death in 1987 and 1993 respectively.
Fritz attended St Nicholas Elementary and High School, graduating in 1946. He immediately began working at Armco, the American Rolling Mill Co, until 1948 when he left to play minor league baseball with the Philadelphia Athletics farm team, the Welch Miners. From 1950-1952, he served in the Korean War. Surprisingly, the Army recruited him at Camp Breckenridge, KY to play football. The surprise was that he had never played organized football all his life! In fact Coach Forrest “Frosty” England, from Arkansas State, sent him a full-ride football offer which Fritz declined. Drawn back to his love of baseball, Fritz returned to playing in 1953 in the Fayetteville Carolina league, eventually ending his professional baseball career in Savannah with the South Atlantic League.
Fritz returned home and began working again at Armco. He married Joan Rose Noll in 1955, most recently celebrating their 67th Anniversary in October of 2022. Together, the
couple had 2 sons and 1 daughter in that order. During the years of raising their children, Fritz was an active and dedicated leader in the community. He was a longtime member of the St. Nicholas Parish Council and a lifetime member of the Rosecrans Athletic Booster Organization. In 2008, he was inducted into the first class of the RHS Athletic Hall of Fame.
Fritz retired from Armco in 1989 with 36 years of service. During those years, Fritz played for the Senior Pioneers and coached many baseball teams. He became a well-known referee/umpire for baseball, football and basketball in our area. Fritz was on the initial committee to form the Muskingum Valley Old Timers Association- promoting youth baseball in the area. He was a charter member of the MVOTA Hall of Fame class of 1986, received the Homeplate award in 1994 and was recognized in 2021 for 68 years of service to the organization.
Fritz was a very active member in the Knights of Columbus Council 505, serving as Grand Knight from 1985-1987. He loved working side by side with his good friends, especially Bill Moyer, who spearheaded countless fundraisers throughout the years. Fritz served as Financial Secretary for the Knights for 39 years -1975 through 2014.
Finally, Fritz was incredibly humbled and honored when he was awarded the Bob and Dolores Hope Good Samaritan Award in 1986 for dedication and service to the Zanesville
Community.
Fritz is survived by his wife, Joan, who also resides at the Oaks at Bethesda; sons, David and Chuck (Teresa), and daughter, Lori (Steve) Moyer; his beloved grandchildren, Caitlin (Derek) Denman, Scott (Samantha) Moyer, Will (Lindsay) Weidig, Beau (Leigh Ann) Moyer, Megan (Michael) Hughett, Mary (Charles) Hall, and Olivia (Nick) Phillips; and his great-grandchildren, Charlie and Clara Weidig, Collins Moyer, Claire Moyer, Simon Denman and (very soon, we will welcome) Walt Denman.
In addition to his parents, Fritz was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Beth Irvin Weidig, many dear aunts and uncles, longtime baseball buddies and life-long friends.
Fritz was passionate about sports and the Catholic Schools of Zanesville. His love of God, family, friends and life was apparent in how he lived. Fritz never knew a stranger. He was a friendly, social soul and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Rest in God’s Peace, sweet man.
The family would like to thank Fritz’s many kind caretakers both with Genesis Hospice and the Oaks at Bethesda, with special mention to Layla and Ashley at the Oaks. Thank you both, for not only being caretakers but, for caring for Fritz in the most special way.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM Tuesday January 3rd at the Bryan & Hardwick Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 AM Wednesday January 4th at St. Nicholas Catholic Church with Fr. Martin Ralko as celebrant. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Zanesville.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Knights Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 505 Zanesville, OH 43702*0505 or the
Muskingum Valley Old Timers Association P.O. Box 643 Zanesville, OH 43702-0643.
The Bryan & Hardwick Funeral Home, 2318 Maple Ave. Zanesville is in charge of the arrangements. To share memories and condolences with Fritz’s family please visit www.BryanHardwickFH.com.
