Thomas Fritter

Thomas M. Fritter, 73, of Rainier, WA died Thursday, July 31, 2025.

He was born and raised in Madison, WI to Thomas and Philys Fritter.

In 1975 he married Debra Prouty in Bloomington, IL. They had one daughter, Shawn.

Tom was a man of many passions. He loved to travel and to learn. His career as an aircraft mechanic took him all over the country and even to Japan. He possessed an almost encyclopedic knowledge of a variety of subjects; everything from aviation to the old west; classic cars to cowboy poetry. His guitar playing may not have been great but it was always enthusiastic. He never met a stranger and made friends everywhere he went and his passing leaves a huge hole in the hearts of many.

He is survived by his daughter Shawn Crislip, and his siblings, Elaine Fritter, Linda Lowrey, Terry Fritter, Daniel Fritter, their spouses, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by his wife of 31 years, his parents, his brother Randy, and sister Rosalee Mann.

A memorial will be held, contact family for details.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Western Folklife Center in Elko, NV where he was a member and patron for over 25 years.

“What is there out beyond the last divide?

Seems like that country must be cold and dim.

He'd miss the sunny range he used to ride,

And he'd miss me, the same as I do him.

It's no use thinkin'- all I'd think or say

Could never make it clear.

Out that dim trail that only leads one way

He's gone- and left me here!

The range is empty and the trails are blind,

And I don't seem but half myself today.

I wait to hear him ridin' up behind

And feel his knee rub mine the good old way

He's dead- and what that means no man kin tell.

Some call it 'gone before.'

Where? I don't know, but God! I know so well

That he ain't here no more!”

From The Lost Partner by Charles Badger Clark