wfn.org | ABCUSA: Minnie Ellen Fritzler, Lay Leader, Dies

["SCHRAMM, Richard" <Richard.Schramm@abc-usa.org>]

American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa. 9/15/03)--Minnie Ellen
Fritzler, a lay leader who had served as president of the American Baptist
Churches USA Indian Caucus and as a member of the denomination's General
Board, died Aug. 29 at age 74 in Billings, Mont.

She was a lifelong member of the First Crow Indian Baptist Church in Lodge
Grass, Mont., where she most recently had been moderator. 

In denominational responsibilities Fritzler was a member of the General
Board and Board of National Ministries from 1977-1985.	She also served the
Indian Caucus as president, vice president and treasurer.

Vocationally she had served Big Horn County, Mont., as personnel director
and also worked for the Crow Tribe as a personnel director and in education
and development.  

Survivors include her husband of 54 years, Glenn, and a daughter, four sons,
19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

"Minnie Ellen Fritzler was a long-time American Baptist and Native American
leader within our denomination who always led by example," noted the Rev.
Wilfred L. Brown, director of Indian Ministries for American Baptist
National Ministries.  He added: "She had a desire to see her Indian people
come to Christ. She never forgot her Indian ways and was faithful to her
family, church and God.  She will be missed not only by the Indian people
but by the greater American Baptist family."

Condolences may be sent to the family in care of her husband, Glenn A.
Fritzler, P.O. Box 344, Lodge Grass, MT 59050-0344.  Memorial gifts may be
sent to the First Crow Indian Baptist Church Youth Ministry, Box 507, Lodge
Grass, MT 59050.

K/2003ABNS/03ABN115

American Baptist News Service: Office of Communication, American Baptist
Churches USA, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851; (800)ABC-3USA x2077
/ (610)768-2077; fax: (610)768-2320; www.abc-usa.org;
richard.schramm@abc-usa.org