Friedrich 'Fritz' Johnson, 51

MILFORD - Friedrich "Fritz" Johnson, of Milford, died Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, surrounded by his loving family at home. He was 51. Fritz was born June 3, 1958, in Munich, Germany, the son of Irmgard T. Stadler of Smyrna, and the late Gilbert L. Johnson. Fritz worked as a machinist all his life, most recently for the Wal Mart Distribution Center in Smyrna. He was a dedicated family man. Fritz loved hunting and fishing, was a huge NASCAR fan, especially of the late Dale Earnhardt, and was a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan. He enjoyed playing horseshoes where he was known to be the "King of Horseshoes" and claimed to have the greatest thumb of all-time. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, James "Buzz" Johnson in 2007. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his inseparable partner of 27 years, Norma Ann Atkinson; stepfather, Joseph Stadler of Smyrna; three sons, Jeremy L. and Joshua K. Johnson, both of Dover, and Jason F. Atkinson of Milford; a daughter, Jamie L. Carter and her husband Travis of Clayton; three sisters, Diane M. Shade and her husband Robert and Debbie A. Stellar and her partner Jeff Campbell, all of Milford, and Manuela Simon of Munich; an aunt, Anna Leathery of Felton; a sister-in-law, Dawn Johnson of Clayton; several nieces, nephews; and aunts and uncles in Germany. Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 19, in the Faries Funeral Chapel located on 29 South Main Street, Smyrna. Viewing hours will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Smyrna. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Delaware Hospice, 911 South DuPont Hwy., Dover, Delaware 19904. Arrangements are by Faries Funeral Directors and Crematorium Inc., 29 South Main Street, Smyrna. Letters of condolence may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com.