Ronald “Fritz” Wyatt

Dates

Obituary

Ronald Leroy Wyatt, 86, of Tyndall, SD, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, October 11, 2026, at the Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell, South Dakota. At this time, no services will be held. However, a Remembrance of Life and Final Military Honors will be provided by the Madison American Legion at a later date. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Ronald “Fritz” Wyatt was born on June 8th, 1940, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to parents Leroy and Marie (Foutz) Wyatt. Those who knew Fritz knew he could talk to almost anyone, and he usually had an off-color joke ready to share. He had several interests and hobbies, including guitar playing, fishing, model airplanes, and collecting odd things.

Fritz’s family moved often growing up. After graduating from High School, he joined the Army; after basic training, he was trained as a multi-engine aircraft mechanic at Fort Rucker, Alabama. He was then stationed in Germany, where he was a crew Chief on a Douglas C-47 Skytrain military transport aircraft. Fritz shared that his aircraft was used to transport such notables as the Pope and the actor, Audie Murphy. Fritz served 3 years and was honorably discharged.

Upon returning home, Fritz used his GI Bill and attended Aircraft Mechanic school in Fort Dodge, IA. It was during this time he met Virginia “Jinny” Tienter of Preston, Minnesota. They married, and over the years they were blessed with 4 children. Daniel "Dan" of Madison, SD, Virginia “Jinjer” Raker of Sioux Falls, Constance "Connie" Harr of Mt. Vernon, and William “Bill” of Mitchell.

Fritz held several mechanics [airplanes to ag equipment] and sales jobs over the years, and the family moved often. Their journeys took them from Iowa to Minnesota, to Canada, where he was an airplane mechanic for the Royal Mounted Police, and then back to Minnesota, finally arriving in Tyndall, SD in 1977. When they arrived in Tyndall, they took on the management of the Tyndall Lanes Bowling Alley and Café. During this time Fritz also worked on everything mechanical and his dreams of Aviation continued.

Fritz obtained his “Private Pilot” license, and he also joined the Civil Air Patrol unit down in Springfield, SD where he mentored his son, Bill and other young people.

In 1982, Fritz and Jinny divorced, and Jinny moved on. Fritz remained in Tyndall, where he met Ruth Langley, and they were together until his passing. Fritz worked at the Post office, repaired farm equipment in the area, and served as a part-time police officer for the City of Tyndall for 20+ years.

Fritz also liked to buy airplanes that needed repair work, and he would make all the repairs needed, repaint them and resell them. He also traveled the area doing annuals on small aircraft. He also would build airplanes from kits such as the “Kit Fox” and “Fly Baby” and sold them to friends and neighbors. Fritz kept his Pilot’s license until medical issues stopped his flying time at age 81.    

Fritz enjoyed being a grandfather and great-grandfather. He had 27 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and when the family got together, he would bring out his guitar and play classic show tunes from the past. He also enjoyed getting away and visiting his family in Minnesota. He also enjoyed all the close friends he had in Tyndall.

Left to cherish Fritz’s memory are his children, Dan of Madison, SD, Jinjer Raker of Sioux Falls, SD, Connie Harr of Mt. Vernon, SD, and Bill Wyatt of Mitchell, SD; his 27 grandchildren; his great-grandchildren; his longtime companion, Ruth Langley; his sisters, Sherri and Retha of Minnesota and Marcia of Iowa; as well as nieces and nephews, other relatives and dear friends. Fritz was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Larry and Phillip.

Blessed be the memory of Ronald Leroy Wyatt

June 8th 1940 - October 11th 2026