Audry M. Saam

Hazel Green, Wisconsin Audry Melvin "Fritz" Saam, 88, of Hazel Green, Wisconsin, passed away Sunday, December 15, 2013, at Epione Pavilion in Cuba City, Wisconsin. Services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 18, 2013, at St. Francis de Sales Church in Hazel Green with Rev. Ken Frisch officiating. Burial will be in Hazel Green Cemetery. Friends may call from 9-10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church before the service. Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is in charge of arrangements. Fritz was born November 22, 1925, in Scales Mound, Illinois, to Martin and Julia (Duerstein) Saam. He graduated from Scales Mound High School and served in the United States Army in Korea. Fritz worked for the Eagle Picher Mining Company as a licensed blaster until Eagle Picher closed its Midwest mines. He also worked at John Deere in Dubuque for twenty years. Fritz married Margaret Glasson in 1958. They enjoyed travel and made many trips with friends, including a European trip. Fritz loved playing cards and had a passion for mining history and memorabilia. He was known throughout the Midwest as a collector and some of his artifacts are on display at the Platteville Mining Museum and the River Museum in Dubuque, Iowa. Fritz always had a positive outlook on life and loved getting together with friends. He especially enjoyed the companionship of his dear friend, Mildred Holland in later years. He was a 60-year member of the Galena Elks Lodge and a member of the American Legion. He is survived by a step-daughter, Becky Lee, of Hazel Green; two grandchildren, Erika (Brad) Lee Hawkinson of Hazel Green, and John (WingYee) Lee of Los Angeles; and two great-grandchildren, Sam and Riley Hawkinson. He is also survived by four nephews and many great-nephews and nieces. Fritz was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Margaret; three brothers, Cletus, Clem and Bill; and a sister, Calista.