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Alfred S. Fretz (84) of Broomfield, Colorado passed away peacefully in his beautiful apartment at Legend of Broomfield Assisted Living.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Betty, two Grandsons Jimmy and Justin, his parents Elmer and Elsie and his three sisters, Doris, Mary and Frances.
Alfred grew up near Allentown, Pennsylvania where his folks ran a hunting and fishing club. As a teenager, his first job was to take guests out fishing in a boat. Later, as he got older he delivered for Coca Cola. He was also the cool high school kid who had his own Harley Davidson motorcycle! He joined the United States Air Force soon after graduation and thanks to our Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Dan, he was introduced to the love of his life in Cheyenne, WY., Betty. They mostly courted via the USPS mail. During that courtship he sent her an engagement ring. Her Father said “well, I guess he’s not going anywhere!” and they were soon married in Betty’s hometown of Wheatland, WY.
They moved to Spokane, WA where he finished his Air Force career. They started their family and later transferred to California where he attended Pierce Junior College and worked for Bendix Industries. In 1968 Al and Betty followed his parents to Colorado where he began his 30+ years with the Federal Aviation Administration. At that time they settled in Broomfield and called 615 Poppy Way their home for close to 50 years where they lovingly raised two boys and two girls. Jim of Estes Park, CO, Dave of Broomfield, CO, Debbie (Randy) of Montrose, CO, and Gail (Paul) of Northglenn, CO. Throughout that time not only did Al do his full time job but he was a Broomfield Policeman doing reserve shifts, both he and Betty were volunteers for the Broomfield Ambulance Service (Al was one of the first EMT’s in Colorado). Al was a proud, longtime West Adam’s County Volunteer Fireman (later known as North Metro) where he built many lasting friendships. He also worked part time for awhile with RTD driving their large buses.
After his retirement in 1995 he enjoyed a couple of part time jobs with Sil Terhar Motors and Rundus Funeral Home. He throughly enjoyed working for these Broomfield, family owned business’ and wished up to the very end that he still could. He was always a favorite of his employers with his values and work ethic and went out of his way to help people his entire life. Al’s large legacy also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren who all loved him dearly.
Military Honors at Broomfield County Commons Cemetery will be rendered by the United States Air Force.
The family please asks that you wear your favorite Plaid-shirt to Al's service in his honor (if you choose to not wear plaid, you'll need to take it up with Dave Fretz!)
The funeral service will be Live-streamed on Facebook beginning promptly at 10:30 am Mountain Time.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Al Fretz, please visit our floral store.