Michael "Fitz" Earle Fitzpatrick
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Michael Earle Fitzpatrick "Fitz" was born on September 29th, 1954 to Shirley Mae Fitzpatrick (Fox) and Keith Carlton Fitzpatrick. Michael was the oldest of their six children followed by Patrick, Shaun, Timothy, Kelly and Kerry Maureen. According to a report he did when he was young, he wouldn't trade his siblings for all the money in the world. Fitz was an adventurous boy who often said he weighed if the fun from his latest exploit would be worth the trouble he would get in. Those who knew him have heard many a tail about how worthwhile these antics were. Michael was an avid reader, outdoorsman, world traveler, and a history buff, while being Irish through and through. He was known for pulling off to read many a roadside historical marker on his many trips across this vast country. Fitz was always so proud that he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.
He attended Notre Dame high school in Mitchell, SD through his junior year when it closed. He then graduated from Mitchell High School and went on to graduate from DeVry University with a degree in Electronics Engineering. He used this degree while working in the medical imaging field for more than 40 years.
In the late 70's Michael was married and Alison Christine Fitzpatrick was born in March of 1980. The family made two big moves to Texas in 1982 and from Texas to Montana in 1994. Michael made lifelong friends during these Texas years. There are many epic camping stories that included both campfires and fire water. Fitz enjoyed the natural beauty that the grasslands of South Dakota, the skyline of Montana, and the wildlife his Texas front porch offered. To Fitz's friends he will always be 10 feet tall and bulletproof...the man, the myth, the legend.
In 1999 Fitz fell in love with the love of his life Rosemarie Buse. Michael and Rose shared 23 years together in the Wimberley area. Fitz felt lucky to have Leann, Tommy, and Ally in his family. He so enjoyed being a part of their lives as he watched them play sports, grow, get married, and start families. Michael and Rose had many adventures. They enjoyed loading the camper with the dogs and getting away. Some of their favorite trips included camping with the grandkids in Arkansas, visiting with Alison in PA, South Padre Island Beaches, and Durango, Colorado enjoying the mountains. Visiting France on D-Day with his father was one of his all-time favorites. The many memories he created with family and friends will live in all of us.
Eventually these trips included some of their grandchildren. Papa and Gigi have a total of six grandchildren. Papa was in his prime with grandchildren all around.
Brayden (12) and Cathleen (9) Kelly (Alison and Scott Kelly)
Olivia (7) and Miles (2) Witmer (Leann and David)
Bennett Shaw (11 months) (Ally and Brandon)
Peyton Bennett (10 months) (Tommy and Taylor)
Fitz was passionate about those he loved and Notre Dame football. We find some comfort knowing he will get to see family, especially his parents who proceeded him in death, and by knowing he will frequently be checking in on each of us and the Notre Dame Football team each year.
And now you know the rest of the story.......Good Day!