George Frederick Whetzell 94, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, passed away on January 18, 2024 surrounded by family at the home of his daughters in Lewes, Delaware.

Born on August 29, 1929, he was the son of the late George and Mary Whetzell.

Fritz, as he was known to family and friends, was born and raised in Republic, Pennsylvania, where he started his young family before relocating to Hyattsville, Maryland in 1957 for the promising opportunity leading him to his 30-year civilian career in drafting, design and engineering for the United States Navy.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 75 years Catherine Stewart Whetzell, daughters Charmaine Whetzell, Kathleen Laddbush, and Fritzi Ann Monahan (James); grandchildren Kerry Ann Sefton (Scott), Amy Kathleen Artale (Mark), Ryan Francis Whetzell Laddbush (Amy), Liam Jean Monahan (Olivia), Caitlin Monahan Fike (Chris), and 20 great-grandchildren whom he adored.

Following his parents, Fritz was preceded in death by his sister Elizabeth Feduska and husband Andrew Feduska, and his son-in-law James Francis Laddbush.

Fritz entered Federal service in 1957 as an apprentice machinist at the Naval Ordnance Laboratory. In 1958 he was promoted to design draftsman working on POLARIS instrumentation design. As the lead design specialist and Fleet installation team leader in the Shipboard Radiation Protection Program, he was responsible for design and installation on fast attack and ballistic missile classes of submarines and aircraft carriers. He received numerous letters of appreciation, a classified letter of commendation from the Deputy Chief of Navy Material, and the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award. He was very proud of his work for the U.S. Navy.

In spite of the extensive national and international travel required for the Shipboard Radiation Protection Program, Fritz was a family man at heart. His daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors and anyone in need of anything always benefited from his desire to help, instruct, repair, or improve whatever was needed to rectify a problem or ease the burdens of anyone in a difficult situation. Everyone who had the privilege of knowing Fritz knew, in his words, that he "could fix anything but a broken heart." It was true.

Fritz prepared for retirement by buying property on the Shenandoah River in 1970. He made the riverfront property a haven of camping structures and conveniences for his beloved wife, family and friends. For seventeen years they spent their weekends at "the river" planning, building, gardening, fishing, and watching their children and grandchildren enjoy this beautiful place, in the mountains, on the river.

In 1987 Fritz and Cass both retired and began their "easy years" building their dream home on the Shenandoah River in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Here they were able to enjoy their lives together working on making the house a home. He also shared his talents and friendship with church and community. Holidays, birthdays, and feasts were always celebrated with great joy, love, and frequently bonfires, at their beautiful country home.

Fritz Whetzell lived a life of service to others.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on February 2, 2024 at The Historic Chapel of St. Peter, 110 Church Street, Harpers Ferry, WV. Family and friends will be received at 9:30 a.m. prior to the Mass.

Interment will be at St. Peter's Cemetery, also located in Harpers Ferry.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. James the Greater Catholic Church, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414

https://www.stjameswv.org/giving