Francis Edward Fuhs

Francis Edward “Fritz” Fuhs, age 96, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, surrounded by family.

Francis was born on May 29, 1929, to Edward Joseph and Clara Mary (Moore) Fuhs in Chariton, IA. He lived a long and purposeful life defined by community service, faith, education, a love of nature, and devotion to his family.

Fritz proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War as a helicopter radio mechanic stationed in Germany. Following his military service, he attended Iowa State Teacher’s College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English and later a master’s degree in Counseling.

In 1956 he married the love of his life, Carol Cecelia Tracey, whom he met at the Newman Catholic Student Center during college. Together they built a loving family over their 59 years of marriage until Carol’s passing in 2016.

For over 30 years, Fritz dedicated his career to serving as a middle school counselor with North Scott Schools. He was a compassionate listener and a trusted presence for the students whose lives he influenced. These same attributes carried over to touch the lives of his foster children, the neighborhood kids, and his children’s friends. A loyal sports fan, he could be found in the stands at North Scott basketball and football games for as long as he was physically able.

In retirement, Fritz remained committed to his local community and teaching. He founded the AMPS (Area Maintenance Persons) litter pickup organization to keep local neighborhoods clean. He was recognized for his volunteer work, earning numerous awards for his contributions to Vander Veer Botanical Park and for tending gardens throughout the city of Davenport. Fritz continued to teach by leading College for Kids classes (Rubik’s cube, string tricks, origami) and Children in the Middle classes.

Fritz had a deep love of the outdoors. He and Carol created lasting memories through family camping trips across the US and many travels abroad later in life; Prague was their favorite trip of all. A master gardener, he created and cared for an extensive perennial garden, along with a collection of cacti, a zen garden, and a thriving vegetable garden. Gardening was the center of his life and a source of great pride and peace. In his later years, when he was no longer able to tend to his gardens, it was something he deeply missed.

One of Fritz’s favorite pastimes was playing euchre. He enjoyed twice weekly tournaments at CASI in Davenport for many years. Family and friends were victim to his bidding skills well into his 90s, a reflection of both his sharp mind and his love of friendly competition.

Always ready with an opinion to express, Fritz authored countless letters to the editor—so many that his family later collected them into a book. He was also a published author, self-publishing two books, Retirement Sucks and Poetry in the Heartland, reflecting both his humor and his thoughtful perspective on life.

Fritz was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he was the first parish council president and served in many other capacities through the years. Later he attended St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Davenport, Iowa.

Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a father figure to many. He made all of his family members feel special and had a unique relationship with each one of them. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Survivors include his sons Anthony and Christopher (Kristin); daughters Angela (Nick) Sagan, Jennifer (Scott) Riemer, and Molly (Bill) Stone; foster sons Robin Behnke and Chuck (Betty) Behnke; and sister Patricia Hooten. He is also survived by twenty grandchildren and twenty-four great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Carol; his brothers James, Ernest, Bernard, and Theodore; his sister Edith; and one foster child, Ken.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 8th from 8:00AM - 10:00AM at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Davenport, Iowa with a Mass of Christian Burial held directly after at 10:00AM. Burial will follow at Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery in Rock Island, Illinois at 11:30AM. All are welcome to join family and friends for a luncheon at St. Anthony’s following the burial, approximately 1:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends of Vander Veer, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, and Center for Active Seniors (CASI) in Davenport, Iowa.

The family extends their gratitude to the many caregivers and medical staff who provided compassionate care over the years.