Joel Thomas Fritze, 56, died on July 9, 2010, in Wailuku, Hawaii.
Joel was born on Aug. 31, 1953, in Rochester, Minn., the son of Dr. Dean and Mineva (Madland) Fritze. He graduated from Hayfield High School in 1971 and attended Luther College and Winona State College. Joel was united in marriage to LaMae Gronseth on April, 3, 1976, at Evanger Lutheran Church. He was employed for 25 years at Mayo Clinic as a senior software tester. He was an active member of Evanger Lutheran Church, Hayfield Lions Club, and was currently on the Hayfield City Council. He enjoyed fishing, reading, playing cards and spending time with his family. 
Joel is survived by his wife, LaMae Fritze of Hayfield, Minn.; daughter, Melissa Fritze of Tampa, Fla.; son, Luke (Leah Olson) Fritze of Byron, Minn.; one sister, Judy (Kurt) Kiekbusch of Winona, Minn.; two brothers, Michael (Kris) Fritze of Lakeville, Minn.; David (Deb) Fritze of Eagan, Minn.; and father, Dr. Dean Fritze of Apple Valley, Minn.  
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mineva “Mickey” Fritze; and one brother, Gary Fritze.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 17, 2010, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 104 First St. SE, Hayfield, with Rev. Lissa Kahl officiating. Inurnment will be in Evanger Lutheran Cemetery in rural Sargeant, Minn., at a later date.
Czaplewski Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.