Fritz Wink Obituary

Fritz Wink, age 59, of Westlake and formerly of Marion, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the Life Care Center of Westlake following a courageous battle with cancer. On August 24, 1966, Fritz was born in Marion, Ohio, the youngest of four children of Dr. Raymond E. Wink and the late Susan (Warren) Wink. Growing up in Marion, he enjoyed a lively childhood surrounded by neighborhood friends-many of whom became lifelong friends and who still lovingly refer to themselves as "The Hood." A proud 1985 graduate of Marion Harding High School, Fritz excelled as a student-athlete. He was captain of the football, basketball, and baseball teams, and he earned the prestigious Freshour Award, recognizing the top athlete in his class. He was a prominent member of the 1984 Marion Harding Baseball team that reached the State Finals. He went on to attend The Ohio State University, where he graduated in 1989 with a bachelor's degree in Marketing and Logistics. While at OSU, he forged meaningful and lasting friendships as a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Fritz built a successful career in the steel industry, specifically metal framing, working for Unimast and State Building Materials. His profession took him to cities across the country, including Chicago, Atlanta, Columbus, Fort Worth, and Cleveland. Most of his work was in outside sales, where his warm personality and ability to connect with people shone brightly. He built a large number of lasting customer relationships. Outside of work, Fritz lived life to the fullest. He was an avid sports fan, always cheering for The Ohio State Buckeyes and his beloved Cleveland teams-the Browns, Guardians, and Cavaliers. He also enjoyed golf, camping, and outdoor adventures, from quiet evenings by the campfire to chartered boat rides with friends on Lake Erie. Church was always a part of Fritz's life. He was raised in the St. Mary Catholic Church in Marion and later attended St. Ladislas Catholic Church in Westlake. Above all else, Fritz's greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted and proud father to his four children, who were the center of his world. His life revolved around their activities, sports, and milestones, and his bond with them extended far beyond that of father and child-they became his rock, his pride, and his very best friends. Fritz will be remembered for his outgoing, fun-loving spirit and his ability to make fast friends wherever he went. Many of his friends affectionately referred to him as "Freddy T.," once they learned his real name was Frederick Thomas Wink. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and friendship that will be cherished forever by his family and friends. Fritz will be dearly missed by his four children: Ellie, Parker, Beckett, and Ryder; mother of his children, Kerry Wink, all five of Westlake; his father, Dr. Raymond Wink; three siblings: Julie (Ron) Sayre, David (Kathy) Wink, and Joseph and (Kristi) Wink, all four of Marion; numerous nieces and nephews; and his cherished lifelong friends, especially those from "The Hood". His family will greet friends from 4 – 7 pm on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Snyder Funeral Homes, DENZER Chapel, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services honoring his life will also be held there on Friday at 11 am, with Father Edward Shikina officiating. Interment will be handled privately in St. Mary's Cemetery in Marion. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fritz Wink College Fund via this link: https://www.snyderfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Fritz-Wink?obId=45559856#/obituaryInfo; then click the "Tribute Fund" Button at the top of the page; all donations to this fund will go to help his children and their pursuit of higher education. On behalf of his family, they would like to extend a heartfelt "Thank you" to all who have reached out with thoughts and prayers. Snyder Funeral Homes of Marion are honored to serve Fritz's family and your favorite memories and condolences may be shared with them via www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.