Craig Richard Pritz, age 45, of Virginia Beach, VA , formerly of La Porte passed away on Friday, December 19, 2014 following a brief illness.
Craig was born in La Porte, IN on February 19, 1969 to Richard E. and Sharon L. (Coupland) Pritz.
On July 26, 2008, in the outer banks of North Carolina, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, he married Gretchen Swanson.
He is survived by his beloved family, wife, Gretchen Pritz of Virginia Beach, VA; daughter, Katherine Marie Pritz, at home; mother, Sharon Pritz of La Porte, IN; aunts and uncles, Carrol McCarty, Don and Phoebe Pritz, and Esther Pritz; very close cousins, Gary Dare, Rick Dare, Tom Pritz, James Pritz, Janice Pritz, Jim Pritz, Susan Kebsch, David Pritz, and Steven Pritz.
He was preceded in death by his father, Richard E. Pritz on January 17, 2003 and a sister, Corrine Pritz on July 13, 1986.
Craig was confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church in La Porte. He played varsity High School Slicer football for three years and graduated from La Porte High School in 1987. Craig went on to graduate from Valparaiso University in 1991 with a double major in Political Science and Business. He was a very successful sales representative for Lincoln Electric of Cleveland, OH for over 18 years. During that time he received numerous awards for his professional achievements. He loved both playing and watching golf. He will always be loved dearly, missed and remembered well.
A memorial service was held in Virginia Beach, VA in his honor. Burial has taken place at Pine Lake Cemetery in La Porte.
A local Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church, 102 G Street, La Porte, IN 46350.
Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.