Ron Fritsch, age 87, a Chicago, resident for many years, died on July 22.
Ron was born on May 8, 1939, in a farmhouse in Glen Ellyn. He grew up on a rental farm near Big Rock, Illinois. He is a graduate of both University of Illinois, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history in 1961, and Harvard Law School, which he graduated from in 1964.
After law school, Ron moved to Chicago, where he lived for the remainder of his life. He practiced law from 1964-2001. He worked at the Legal Aid Bureau from 1967-1995, representing indigent clients. He also worked for the Cook County Public Guardian from 1995-2001, representing abused, neglected and dependent children.
After his retirement in 2001, Ron wrote and published 12 novels. His website, www.ronfritsch.com, provides information about his books.
On May 1, 1977, Ron and David Darling began residing together. They were united in a civil union (equivalent to a marriage) on July 6, 2011. They remained together to the end of David’s life on July 27, 2025.
Ron is survived by his brother, Ken Fritsch, of Wheaton; his sister, Beverly May, of Shorewood; his good friend, Lee Ann Lowder, of Chicago; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by David; his mother, Helen (Schuld) Fritsch, of Big Rock, Illinois; his father, Lloyd Fritsch, of Big Rock; his sister, Joan Needham, of Maple Park, Illinois; his brother in law, Don Needham, of Maple Park; his sister-in law, Barbara (Robinson) Fritsch, of Wheaton; and his brother-in-law, Gene May, of Shorewood.
There will be no visitation, funeral or gravesite services for Ron. He’ll be laid to rest next to David in the Casper Creek Natural Cemetery in Galena.
Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.