With heavy hearts and fond memories, we announce the passing of John Anthony "John Boy" Fratzel—a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. John passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025, in Merriam, Kansas. Born on September 1, 1947, in Wyandotte, Kansas, he lived a life full of simple pleasures.
He was the son of Anthony Fratzel and Norma Rae Hunter, both of whom welcomed him home—alongside his beloved daughters, Anita and Cathy Fratzel, who he carried in his heart every single day.
John is survived by his wife of nearly 44 years, Carolyn Fratzel. They were married on July 23, 1981, in Aurora, Colorado, before relocating to Shawnee, Kansas, in 1992. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and spoiled grandchildren (and dogs!). He is also survived by his daughters, Chelle Fratzel and Kym Singmaster (Marty Ramsden).John is also survived by his siblings: Brother Frank (Patty) Fratzel, Sister Kena (Dale) Parker, and Sister Doris Fratzel."
John was a proud and active grandfather to KC Singmaster and Ashley Goldberg, and a great- grandfather to Emersyn Singmaster, who brought a special light to his later years. A graduate of Wyandotte High School, class of 1965, John proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy, earning the National Defense Medal. After his military service, he spent many dedicated years in the printing ink industry as a salesman, known for his quick wit, effortless charm, and natural ability to make lasting connections.
John was a regular at the American Legion in Shawnee, Kansas, where he faithfully enjoyed "a cold one" with fellow veterans every day from 2 to 3 p.m.—a tradition as reliable as his sense of humor. He had a deep love for old westerns, a passion for fishing in his younger years, and a
lifelong appreciation for oldies music—often caught singing along without a care in the world.
Affectionately known as " favorite grumpy old man," John's playful spirit and harmless pranks kept those around him laughing, even in his final days. He had a gift for connecting with people and was regarded as a simple, honest man who loved his family, his dogs, his country, and an ice-cold Miller Lite.
John will be honored with a burial on April 25, 2025, at 9:00 AM at Leavenworth National Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Kansas Speedway Conference Center (400 Speedway Blvd, Kansas City, KS) starting at 11 A.M.
Though we'll miss him deeply, we celebrate the life of a man who was as tough as they come and just as tender when it came to the people he loved.