Erika Fritsche, age 84 of New Ulm died peacefully on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the Oak Hill Living Center in New Ulm.

Funeral service will be 11 am on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home-South Chapel in New Ulm. Pastor Scott Oelhafen will officiate, and burial will follow in the Soldier’s Rest Section of the New Ulm City Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Wednesday, and continue from 10-11 am on Thursday all at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home-South Chapel in New Ulm.

To leave an online condolence for her family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Erika is survived by her husband of 64 years, John Fritsche of New Ulm; her son, Johann (friend Christina) Fritsche of New Jersey; her sister, Friederike Berger of Munich, Germany; and many nieces and nephews in Germany.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her five sisters; and 1 brother.

Erika Zeidler was born on February 12, 1942, in Karlsbach, Czech Republic, to Johann and Freida (Tachl) Zeidler. She was baptized in Karlsbach and later confirmed in Ingolstadt, Germany. Erika spent her childhood growing up and working near Munich, Germany. Erika was united in marriage to John Fritsche on February 21, 1962, in Munich, beginning a life together that would span many years and be filled with love, family, and shared adventures.

Their marriage was blessed with a son, whom they raised together in New Ulm. Erika devoted herself to her family, embracing her role as a wife, mother, and homemaker. She took great pride in caring for her home and ensuring her family was well cared for. Her devotion extended beyond her immediate family, as she also helped John’s parents with their home, always willing to lend a hand to those she loved.

Throughout their years together, Erika and John enjoyed traveling and camping throughout the United States, visiting many of the nation’s historic battle sites. Erika also enjoyed shooting, and took an active interest in helping John with his mortar-shooting hobby. Erika was a long-time member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm.

Above all, Erika’s greatest devotion was to her family. She was a loving and dedicated wife to John and a devoted mother to their son, finding fulfillment in caring for those she loved and making their house a home. The life Erika and John built together was filled with shared experiences and great memories. Her love and dedication to her family will remain an enduring part of the legacy she leaves behind. Blessed be her memory.