Walter C. Lietz |
| Posted 2025-12-07 by mhenderson |
| Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory - Lake Havasu City, Arizona - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Walter C. Lietz, a true Lake Havasu City pioneer and the founder of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Walt attended Maryvale High School in Phoenix, Arizona, graduating in 1969. Soon after, he pursued a calling in funeral service and went on to graduated from the California College of Mortuary Science in Los Angeles, California. Walter and Donna Lietz came to Lake Havasu City in 1976 and opened Lietz Funeral Home. In November 1981, they merged with Fraze Funeral Home (established in 1967), forming the partnership known today as Lietz- Fraze Funeral Home of Lake Havasu City, Arizona. A few years later in 1986, they proudly established the only on-site crematory of Lake Havasu City. For 58 years, the family has been honored to serve this amazing community with care and compassion. Throughout his decades of service, Walter compassionately supported countless families in Lake Havasu City and around the world. His dedication extended far beyond his own community. Walt served with DMORT (Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team), Region 9, and assisted with national disaster response efforts. Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, he spent five months at the World Trade Center at Ground Zero, supporting recovery operations through forensics and DNA work. Walt later continued this service during Hurricanes Katrina, Rita & several airline disasters. Through his work efforts, he was the Past President of AFDA (Arizona Funeral Director Association), a member of the NFDA (National Funeral Directors Association), and a member of the NSM (National Selected Morticians) which is known as Selected Independent Funeral Homes today. A devoted community member, Walt proudly served Lake Havasu City in many ways. He was a member of the London Bridge Rotary Club where he was given the Paul Harris Award, a B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge #2399 Life Member, and Past President of the former L.H.C. Jaycees. Walt was also a former member of the American Society of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, he volunteered for the Lake Havasu Fire Department, was a Past board member of H.A.V.E.N Family Resource Center, and the Silent Witness & Hospice of Havasu. Walt is survived by his wife of 54 years, Donna Lietz; his daughter Kristen Lietz and her children Evan, Garrett, Alex, Patrick and Cassie; and his daughter Dani Stello, her husband Jasen, and their daughters Rylie and Kennedi. Great Grandchildren Arya & Ella. Sister-in-law Lori Lietz and brother-in-law Tim Dubbins and his wife Jeannette. Walt’s love for dogs was heartfelt; over the years, they were constant companions and a true part of the family. He is survived by his faithful best friend, Toby, and his cherished dogs, Tiffi, Chopper and Bruce. Walt also leaves behind his Lietz-Fraze family: Jackie, Hana, Levi, Chris, Shana, James, Tim, Macrina, Tony, Jessie, Rudy, Judy, Larry, Nancy, Kristie, Sherilyn, Izzy & Antoinet. He had a special place in his heart for his bonus GrandKids Anthony, Henry & Vanessa and his grandbabies, Kingston, Kamdyn & Baby Anthony. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Marion Lietz, and his twin brother, Bill Lietz, who passed away in 2013. The bond they shared was exceptionally strong and remained a defining part of his life. A visitation will be held Friday, December 12, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home, 21 Riviera Blvd., Lake Havasu City, AZ. Funeral services will follow on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will take place immediately following at Lake Havasu Memorial Gardens, 1698 Deer Run Drive, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86404. Family and friends are invited to return to Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home for a Celebration of Life from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM to share memories and honor Walter’s remarkable life of service and dedication. On this day, we encourage everyone to leave memories and upload photos to the memorial page at lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Each memory shared will serve as a comforting reminder of the joy and love Walt brought into our lives, helping us to keep his spirit alive. Let us remember Walt not for his departure, but for the life he lived and the love he shared. Arrangements were entrusted to Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. See Also: Find A Grave |
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