August 10, 1948 — March 26, 2024
Blue Mound, Kansas
Frederick John “Fritz” Johanning, Jr., age 75, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, Missouri.
Born in Garnett, Kansas, on August 10, 1948, he was the beloved eldest son of Frederick John and Lee Shirley (Anderson) Johanning.
Fritz graduated as a part of Kincaid High School's Class of 1967. Yet, it was on the battlefields of Vietnam that Fritz made his indelible mark, displaying unwavering valor as a member of the United States Marine Corps. He served our country from 1968 to 1970 and was honorably discharged with a rank of Lance Corporal.
He was united in marriage to Janice Brock on June 10, 1967, and together they welcomed two children, Elaine and Fred. On December 30, 1983, Fritz married Penny Gail (Ritz) Breiner, with whom he gained an additional daughter, Erin Breiner.
Fritz spent the majority of his life based in the Blue Mound area. He and Penny owned and operated the Stampede Inn from 1983 to 1990, where they created a welcoming atmosphere for everyone, and Fritz was able to re-create some of his favorite dishes from truck stops he had visited around the country.
A titan of the roadways, Fritz’s life-time career as a truck driver and later a commercial driving instructor at Fort Scott Community College, was a testament to his knowledge and ability to create meaningful connections with others. To all of his fellow truckers and longtime friends he was known by his CB handle “Blue Fox”. He was extremely proud to be a part of four generations of Johanning truck drivers, beginning with his father and continuing through his son, Fred and grandson, Cameron.
When he wasn’t traveling down the solid white line, Fritz found joy in the small things like tending to his garden, playing a good round of golf, decorating his house and yard for Christmas, playing cards, and in his younger days participating in slow-pitch softball. Most importantly, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his eight cherished grandchildren.
Fritz was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Danny, and a granddaughter Nicole Jaeger. He is survived by his loving wife, Penny; son Frederick J. Johanning III; daughters Elaine Jaeger (Erik) and Erin Harvey (Scott); three brothers: David Johanning (Kim), Darrel Johanning (Malinda), and Paul Johanning; as well as eight grandchildren, Brock (Carly) Johanning, Blake Johanning, Brenna Whittington, Cameron Johanning, Dane Jaeger, Natalie Jaeger, Braxton Harvey, and Elliotte Harvey; along with seven great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a large extended family, both here locally and in Arizona. Fritz's legacy of loyalty, love and service will be cherished by all who knew him.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Mound City Chapel. Visitation will be held 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Mound City Chapel. Public burial will take place in Fort Scott National Cemetery on Monday, April 1, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. Memorial contributions are suggested to Honor Flight, St Jude Children's Hospital, or Folds of Honor. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.
(Published in the Linn County Journal on March 28, 2024.)