Francis Xavier Sutter, "Fritz," age 88, passed away peacefully at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City on December 18, 2024.

Fritz was born November 16, 1936, in Detroit, MI to Raymond and Margaret (Kennedy) Sutter. Francis married Rose Mary O'Flynn on August 29, 1959 at Saint Brigid Catholic Church in Detroit, Michigan. A fiercely proud husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Fritz was known for his strong work ethic, his love of family, and unwavering Catholic faith.

Surviving is his wife of 65 years, Rose Mary; daughter, Patti (Greg) Hoffman; daughter, Sue (Jeff) Dupuis; daughter, Margarete Chalker and fiancée Todd Wanley; daughter, Kati (Scott) Walters; daughter, Christine (Tony) DeMarzo; and, son, Paul (Deeanne) Sutter. He was Papa to Jordan (Amanda) Dupuis; Jess (Alex) Wolfram; Meghan (Leah) Stephens; Zac (Ruthanne) Hoffman; Katie (Kyle) Baumgartner; Rachael Walters; Ryan Walters; Michael Sutter; Lauren Sutter; Sara Walters; and Cole DeMarzo. Fritz also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren, four siblings, four very special sisters-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.

Fritz graduated from University of Detroit Jesuit High School, served in the Army in Korea and enjoyed a career with the telephone company. A few of his greatest satisfactions include his 30 plus years of ministry to incarcerated men. He began this work by serving the population in Michigan Reformatory and Ionia Correctional Facility. Following his and Rose Mary's move to Manistee, he pitched the ministry as a Gaylord diocesan pilot program, which continues to this day at Oaks Correctional Prison. The joy he had in seeing God at work in the lives of the inmates he served was palpable. Fritz also took great pleasure in building wooden crucifixes in his workshop, a hobby elicited by his godson Kevin O'Flynn. Fritz's handiwork has been shared with hundreds of people, can be found across the U.S., with one being blessed in Rome.

Fritz was preceded in death by his parents, beloved in-laws, Oz and Helen O'Flynn, brothers-in-law Ray Kaszubowski, Tom O'Flynn, Jim O'Flynn, Bob Gresehover and son-in-law Steve Chalker.

Relatives and friends will pray the evening Vigil service on Sunday evening, at 8:00 p.m., at the Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Manistee, with Reverend James Bearss celebrant.  Manistee County United Council Veterans Ritual Squad will conduct military honors at the church after mass. Burial will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery.  Family will receive friends at the Herbert Funeral Home on Sunday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., and at the church, on Monday morning, one hour before the funeral Mass.

The family wishes to thank all those who served him so patiently and respectfully in their capacities, including Bambi Everham, AdvisaCare, Bay Area Urology, Mary Free Bed, Munson Medical Center, NPalliative and Traverse Heart & Vascular.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Fritz are asked to consider either a gift to Jail Prison Ministry or the Guardian Angels Historic Preservation Project (www.osvhub.com/catholic-community-of-manistee/giving/funds), (Checks for both memorials to be made out to "Divine Mercy Parish" with particular memorial noted in check memo). Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and at the church on Monday morning.

Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.