The memorial service for Dean Ellsworth Fritze will be 11 a.m. Feb. 25, 2012, at the Hayfield High School, 9 Sixth Ave. SE in Hayfield, Minn., with Rev. Paul Hauschild officiating. Inurnment will be in Fairview Cemetery in Hayfield.

Dean Ellsworth Fritze, 87, died of complications from a stroke, Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012, at Trinity Care Center in Farmington, Minn.

Dean Ellsworth Fritze was born on June 10, 1924, in Le Sueur, Minn., and graduated from Le Sueur High School. He had a teaching degree in math from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn. He was united in marriage to Mineva “Mickey” Fritze on Aug. 20, 1949. They moved to Hayfield in 1949, where Dean was a teacher, principal, and later, superintendent of Hayfield Schools. He retired in 1984, and they moved to the Twin Cities area, living in Apple Valley, Burnsville and Farmington during the past 26 years.

Dean enjoyed his many years in Hayfield. He loved being active in the community, participating in the development of the Hayfield Swimming Pool, Fieldcrest Nursing Home and the Oaks Golf Club. He was also active at Trinity Lutheran Church. He enjoyed golfing and bridge games. He was very proud to say that he was from Hayfield.

Dean is survived by daughter, Judy (Kurt) Kiekbusch, Winona; son, Michael (Kris) Fritze, Apple Valley, Minn.; son, David (Deb) Fritze, Eagan, Minn.; daughter-in-law, LaMae Fritze, Hayfield; brothers, Ken (Joan) Fritze, Eugene (Sally) Fritze; sister, Joyce (Ian) Gaal; sister, Gloria (Chuck) Hillstead, and 11 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mickey; son, Gary and son, Joel.

Visitation will be 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, at Hayfield High School. The family prefers memorials to the American Diabetes Association. The Czaplewski Family Funeral Home of Hayfield is in charge of arrangements.