Carl Frederick “Fritz” Urwiler

FORT DODGE, Iowa — Carl Frederick “Fritz” Urwiler, 92, Fort Dodge, Iowa, died July 21, 2018, at Circle of Life Hospice, Bentonville, Ark., surrounded by loving family. Visitation was July 30 at Laufer - sweiler-Sievers Funeral Home, Ft. Dodge, Iowa. Funeral services were 12:30 at Laufersweiler-Sievers Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Church with Msgr. Kevin McCoy officiating. Burial will follow at Corpus Christi Cemetery. Carl was born March 28, 1926, in Laurel, to Carl and Hilda (Streun) Urwiler, the fourth of ten children. He was raised on a family farm in a community of Swiss immigrants during the Great Depression, where he and his siblings helped with farming operations. He enjoyed sports in High School, playing football and baseball while at Laurel High School. Carl had a talent for judging cattle and placed sixth with honors in a national cattle judging contest while in high school. He graduated from Laurel High School in 1943. Carl attended Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. He enlisted in the Army Air Force during World War II, where he served in the South Pacific Theatre as a radio operator, waist gunner, and mechanic. He served on many Islands, including the Philippines, Saipan, Guam, Taiwan, and Okinawa, as well as on a team that flew bombers from the U.S. to England. During his service, Carl was awarded the American Theater Ribbon, APT Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and Victory Ribbon. After an honorable discharge, Carl met Pauline Partello while working as a sales representative for the Swift Company. He married Pauline June 4, 1951, and they made their home in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and raised three children. Carl and Pauline owned and operated The Community Tavern, a successful business, for 25 years, where patrons became close friends. After selling his business, Carl sold real estate in Fort Dodge and the Phoenix, Ariz., area. Carl was an avid golfer, and he was proud of his holein- one on the 17th hole at Lakeside Golf Course. He loved teaching golf to several family members, including his grandson. He enjoyed traveling, football (Hawks, Huskers, Packers), reading, stock market investing, and, most of all, spending time with family and friends. He was a dedicated father to his family. Survivors include his son, Dr. Michael Urwiler (Joy), Rogers, Ark.; daughter, Jennilynn Urwiler, Livermore, Calif.; granddaughter, Heather Stewart (Phillip); grandson, Austin Urwiler (Emma); great-granddaughters, Willow Stewart, Piper Urwiler, Sophia Biondi, and Giada Biondi; siblings: Ellen Curtis (Kay), Marlene Schuttler, Bill Urwiler (Jeanette), Barbara Munter (Jim) and Rick Urwiler (Penny); and many beloved nephews and nieces. Carl was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline; son, Rick; and siblings, Walt Urwiler, Gertrude Holtzclaw, Nell Gustman and Verner Urwiler. Memorials may be left at the discretion of the family