Fritz W. Dopslauf

This week, Fritz W. Dopslauf went to be with his Lord. “Big Fritz” was born in Barker, Texas, 95 years ago to Fritz Dopslauf and Emma Wittig Dopslauf. He grew up ranching, farming and dairying in the German settlements of Fairbanks and Addicks/Satsuma west of Houston, Texas. During World War II he was in the Army Air Corps. After discharge and a brief stay in Houston, he married Audrey Faye Davis Dopslauf and returned to ranching and rice farming. Audrey Faye passed away in 1983. Fritz is survived by his daughter Billie Dopslauf, grandson James Fritz Massey and wife Janie of Gonzales, Texas and their children and granddaughter Karin Plotts and husband Keith of Bryan, Texas and their children.

Although his health had declined a number of years ago, he managed to stay active through the efforts of James and Karin and their families.

His ranching activities moved him to Gonzales, Texas, where he later married June Brom (deceased), who was the mother of Tony Brom, Roxanna Brom, Camilla Brom and Clayton Brom, an extended family that was a source of joy in his later years.

“Big Fritz” loved the Lord and enjoyed his 95 years of life. He was an avid hunter and rancher and always the jokester, as he loved to make people laugh.

A graveside service was held on Thursday, May 23 with a reception afterwards at Woodlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, 1101 Antoine Dr., Houston, Texas. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 1110 St. James Church Rd., Plum, Texas, 78952.