Waldemar Fritz Mezger

Waldemar Fritz Mezger of Spartanburg, South Carolina, on April 7, 2025, passed away peacefully in his home with his wife of 65 years at his side. Born on January 3, 1935, in Tuebingen, Germany to parents Waldemar and Frieda Mezger (Rall). He lived a life marked by determination, innovation, and a deep love for family and community.

Waldemar, known as “Fritz” to those who knew him in Spartanburg, was a devoted husband to Gisela Maria Mezger (Woerner); a loving father to their two children: Mark A. Mezger (Amy) of Spartanburg, SC and Kristine A. Mezger-Ashbaugh (Randall) of Greer, SC. He was a proud grandfather to Lukas Waldemar Mezger and Liam Mezger; Hannah Terrell, Natalie Ashbaugh, and Erich Terrell. In Germany, he is survived by his two brothers Dieter Mezger (Sigrid) and Klaus Mezger (Erika), his cousin Rita Schmid, as well as nieces and a nephew.

Fritz earned his Diploma in Textile Engineering from the Fachhochschule Reutlingen (aka Reutlingen University) in Germany. Employed by Rieter Corporation, he and his wife moved to Winterthur, Switzerland before immigrating to the United States in 1966. In 1980, he founded his own company, W. Fritz Mezger, Inc., where he applied his expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to the textile industry.

A man of many passions, Fritz enjoyed tennis, snow skiing, water skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. He shared his love of soccer as a coach and was a founding member of the German-American Club.

His dedication to service was recognized with the Paul Harris Award from the Rotary Club. Fritz’s legacy is one of hard work, kindness, and an enduring commitment to those around him. He will be missed by all. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

The Mezger family would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Fritz’s in-home care professionals, as well as SHRS Hospice.

A private ceremony will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Spartanburg Soup Kitchen: spartanburgsoupkitchen.org