Devotion to students, veterans, community

The temperatures dropped this past week, and with them came raindrops that turned into what appeared to be the seasons first flakes of snow. None of it, however, slowed the steady stream of people gathering at Colman Lutheran Church to share condolences with the family of Roger Fritz.
Fritz, a lifelong educator in the Colman-Egan district, passed away October 27, 2025. His legacy was evident in the countless staff, students, and community members who came to pay their respects.
Fritz quietly and consistently shaped lives across the district and community, often without recognition for how much of an impact he had.
I hope people remember how much love and respect he had for this community, said grandson Carter Schmidt.
He came to Colman by chance as a teacher early in his career, became superintendent within six years, never chased jobs at larger schools, and retired after 48 total years in education all at Colman and Colman-Egan High Schools. That is loyalty. He has also always had a passion for serving others, especially veterans, and was the reason the Colman Veterans Memorial was constructed. He was always the emcee for the Colman Memorial Day Program, which is something I had the honor of taking over the past few years, he added.
Schmidt said hes grateful for the strong work ethic and respect for others his grandfather instilled in him.
He had such a strong love for our community, school, and country. He was so adored and respected in our community and education community across the state.
Current Colman-Egan Superintendent Scott Hemmer said it would be interesting to see how many administrators across South Dakota were taught or mentored by Fritz.
There are probably two dozen administrators across the state that are connected to him, said Hemmer.
Everybody that walked through the doors of this school they were his kids. Mr. Fritz was the most genuine, nicest person youd ever meet, and he helped combine our districts all those years ago. He knew that the future for these two communities was one school. And he set us up for success for the future.
Among those paying their respects this past week was James Niehus, who student-taught at Colman-Egan before returning to serve as the schools technology coordinator.
He recalled stopping by the school a year after his teaching stint to ask about the open position, though he was concerned an upcoming active-duty military service would prevent him from getting the job. Fritz told him the position would be waiting when he returned.
Niehus stayed for 12 years.
Just seeing some of the other staff that worked for himthe only reason I ever left was Roger retired. A job came up closer to home, otherwise, I drove 55 miles each way for those 12 years and I never thought anything of it, said Niehus.
His influence, those who knew him say, will continue to shape Colman-Egan for generations to come.