Charles Frederick “Fritz” Weisend, founder of Fritz Industries Inc. |
Charles Frederick “Fritz” Weisend, founder of Fritz Industries Inc. of Mesquite, Texas, died in his sleep on July 31 after a brief illness. He was 84.
Fritz Industries manufactures, imports and distributes aquarium and pond products through its Fritz Pet division. Kevin Senkevech, vice president of Fritz Industries, called Weisend a “pioneer” in the fish wholesale operation and in creating products used in maintaining aquariums.
“He was the first guy to really come out with wholesaling freshwater and saltwater fish,” Senkevech said. “He was also one of the first guys to manufacturer true nitrifying bacteria.”
Weisend was born on March 14, 1926, in Bellaire, Ohio, to Francis Charles Weisend and Martha Katherine Kruger. He served in the Army Air Corps in World War II before founding Fritz Chemical Co. in 1956. (The company became known as Fritz Industries Inc. in 1993). In addition to his business endeavors, Weisend served as president of the board of directors of the Dallas Society for Crippled Children from 1974 to 1976.
“He was an outstanding individual and true friend,” Senkevech said. “Employees loved him, and he will be hugely missed.”
Weisend stepped down from the position of president and CEO of Fritz Industries on July 23. Dan Montgomery, who has been with the company for more than 20 years, was appointed to fill the position. He most recently served as national sales manager for the Oilfield division. In a statement, the company’s management said it expects Montgomery to keep Fritz Industries moving forward on its current projects and to introduce new initiatives for years to come.