Alton “Fritz” Frethem, age 98, of Fosston, MN, passed away on Monday, January 5th, with his family by his side. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 15th, at Hope Lutheran Church in Fosston with the Rev. Peter Lurvey officiating. Interment will be in Hope Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Thursday (15th), at the church. Military honors will be provided by the Naval Honors Team and the Spring Lake V.F.W. Post #2791 of Lengby, MN. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

Alton Howard “Fritz” Frethem was born on April 20, 1927, on the family farm south of Fosston to Albert and Hellen (Gunhus) Frethem. He was baptized and confirmed at Hope Lutheran Church in Fosston. During his high school years he enjoyed football, hockey, basketball and baseball. He graduated from Fosston High School in 1945. Fritz enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the South Pacific and was part of the occupying force in Japan after the war.

After returning home, he continued his education at Bemidji State College for one year and then attended the Minneapolis School of Business.

Fritz was united in marriage to the love of his life, Helen Mae (Larson), on August 5, 1951, at Hope Lutheran Church and they made their home in Fosston. To this union, three children were born, Linda, Susan and Mark.

Fritz spent most of his working career in the U.S. Post Office starting as a clerk and worked his way up to Postmaster.

Over the years, Fritz and Helen Mae enjoyed dancing, golfing, fishing, bowling and attending sporting events to watch children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was very involved in the community through the Tangen-Walstrom American Legion Post #114 of Fosston, the Spring Lake V.F.W. Post 2791 of Lengby and the Fosston-Lengby Lion’s Club. He was able to go on the ND/MN Veteran’s Honor Flight to Washington, DC in September of 2024 and got special attention for being a World War II vet, which he didn’t feel he deserved.

He was an avid sports fan of the Fosston Greyhounds. He even coached third grade girls’ basketball in his retirement.

He was a life-long member of Hope Lutheran Church serving on several boards over the years and even taught Friday School when he was 85 years old.

Fritz passed away peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2026, with his family by his side at the age of 98 years, eight months and 16 days.

He is survived by his children, Linda Knutson of Crookston, MN, Susan Christen of Fosston, and Mark (Renee) Frethem of Wadena, MN; nine grandchildren, Derek (Emily) Knutson, Sarah (Bret) Danielson, Aaron (Anna Petry) Knutson, Melissa Christen (Danny Goldsmith), Scott (Willow) Christen, Amy (Todd) Hiedeman, Jeremy Frethem, Matthew Frethem, and Jordan Frethem; 12 great grandchildren, Caleb Danielson, Carly Danielson, Caley Danielson, Drew Knutson, Cora Knutson, James Knutson, Thomas Knutson, Zoey (Warren) Nelson, Will Christen, McKenzie Hiedeman, Hailey Hiedeman, and Caden Hiedeman; and one great great grandchild, Bean Nelson.

Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Carol Smeby and Phyllis Larson of Fosston; nieces, Marilyn Wogsland, Carol (Tom) Cover, and Mary Salvhus.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Helen Mae, in November of 2021; his parents; son-in-law, Wes Knutson; brothers and sisters-in-law, Glen and Gladys Frethem, Stanley and Vi Frethem; and sister and brother-in-law, Alice (Gene) Emmons; and in-laws on Helen’s side, Kenny and Marian Larson, Barbara and Roger Henderson, Richard “Red” Larson, and David Larson.

Blessed be his memory