Dr. William D. "Bill" Fritsch, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, dentist, and friend, went to Heaven on July 15, 2026. Born in San Antonio, Texas, Bill lived a life marked by unwavering faith, hard work, deep devotion to his family, and a joyful spirit that touched everyone who knew him.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Col. (Ret.) Edward Fritsch and Peggy Fritsch, and his sister, Jane Bane, father-in-law Harry Rountree, mother-in-law Pauline Rountree, son-in-law Jason Cadwallader, brother-in-law Michael Rountree, sister-in-law Betty Rountree and nephew Will Rountree.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Nan Rountree Fritsch, whom he lovingly met while attending high school in Del Rio, Texas. He is also survived by his four children: Shelby Fritsch Cadwallader and her children, Alli Paige, Caleb, JK, and Mariclay; Paige Fritsch Japhet and her husband, Jeff, and their children, Kate, Benjamin, and Hannah; Aaron Fritsch and his wife, Ashleigh, and their children, Wyatt, Ellie, Addison, and Whitley; and Drew Fritsch and his wife, Katie, and their children, Kennedy and Collin. He is also survived by his brother, Jim Fritsch and wife Marty, sister-in-law Susan and husband Patrick, brother-in-law Wayne, brother-in-law David and wife Selina plus many nieces and nephews.

As the son of a career military officer, Bill spent his childhood moving across the globe. He lived in Arizona, Oregon, Mississippi, Florida, Libya, and eventually Del Rio, Texas, where his family settled during his junior year of high school. It was there that he met the love of his life, Nan Rountree.

Their love story began at a dance in Del Rio in 1964. The following year, when Nan was a 14-year-old freshman, she asked Bill to be her date to the school's Sadie Hawkins Dance. They began "going around" in April 1965, beginning a relationship that would span more than six decades. Although Nan hoped to marry at nineteen, Bill wisely suggested they wait until they were better established. They were married on August 12, 1972, at the Methodist Church in Del Rio, beginning a remarkable partnership built on love, faith, sacrifice, and shared purpose.

Bill and Nan attended Texas Tech University, where Bill studied Business Administration. After graduation, they briefly lived in Dallas while Bill worked for a clothing company before deciding it wasn't the path he wanted. After selling his car to help fund their future, the newlyweds moved to California for several months before returning to Texas.

Bill began graduate studies in Hospital Administration at Southern Methodist University while Nan pursued dental hygiene. During that season, Bill discovered a new calling. Determined to become a dentist, he enrolled in science courses at the University of Texas at Arlington while Nan attended hygiene school.

The summer of 1973 became a defining chapter in their lives. While living with Nan's parents in Del Rio, Nan's sister Susie came to faith in Christ, followed by Nan, and later that fall, Bill also became a believer. Their newfound faith became the foundation upon which they built their marriage, family, and careers.

For two years, Bill diligently completed the prerequisite science courses while Nan finished hygiene school. Together they started a cleaning business, working long hours cleaning homes and offices to support themselves. Two weeks after Nan graduated, Bill began dental school at Baylor College of Dentistry. Nan worked as a dental hygienist just six miles from their home, faithfully supporting the family while Bill completed dental school. Together, they accomplished what neither could have done alone, completing their dental education as a team within five years.

Following graduation, Bill suggested returning to Del Rio to establish his practice. Though Nan had reservations, she trusted his vision, and together they built a thriving dental practice that faithfully served the Del Rio community for more than thirty years. Patients knew Bill not only as an exceptional dentist but as someone who genuinely cared for every person who sat in his chair.

As retirement approached, they sold the practice. However, when the 2008 financial crisis erased much of their retirement savings, Bill and Nan did what they had always done: they went back to work. Together they opened a pediatric dental practice in Uvalde, serving children side by side for another ten years.

In 2012, they moved to Hondo, Texas, where they enjoyed eight wonderful years surrounded by treasured friends who became like family. In 2020 they sold their home, lived briefly in San Antonio, and in 2022 settled in Huntsville, Texas, where they delighted in living close to many of their grandchildren.

More than his professional accomplishments, Bill will be remembered for the joy he brought into everyday life. He had an unmistakable love for Big Red, brightly colored tennis shoes, stylish clothes, golfing, and Christmas mornings overflowing with presents. He faithfully made Texas sheet cakes for each family member's birthday, loved baking his famous butter buns for holidays. He loved Orange Slices, Whoppers, Almond Joy candy bars, and his favorite guisado bean-and-cheese tacos, especially from Chinto's. One of his greatest pleasures was simply being cared for by his beloved "Nini," who's loving acts of service reflected the deep affection they shared throughout their marriage.

Bill's greatest legacy is not found in the thousands of smiles he restored as a dentist, but in the faith he lived, the family he cherished, the example he set, and the countless lives he impacted through kindness, perseverance, generosity, and love. His life was a testimony that success is measured not only by professional achievement, but by faithfulness to God, devotion to family, and service to others.

His family rejoices knowing that because of his faith in Jesus Christ, this is not goodbye, but until we meet again.

The visitation will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the Sunset Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 2020 N. Bedell Ave, Del Rio, Texas.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the First Untied Methodist Church, 100 Spring St, Del Rio, Texas.

The interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 5144 Hwy 90 East, Del Rio, Texas.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sunset Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, Del Rio, Texas. Serving families with dignity and respect.