Douglas Eugene Fritzler

Douglas Eugene “Doug” Fritzler, 67, of Sterling, Colorado, passed away peacefully at his home on June 16, 2026, after a courageous battle with ALS.

On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 4-6 p.m., the family will greet friends and family at Halouska Family Chaney-Reager Funeral Home in Sterling, Colorado. A Celebration of Doug’s Life will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Sterling, Colorado with Pastor Sean Cole officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.

Doug was born on November 14, 1958, to Leon and Marilyn (Elledge) Fritzler. He was raised in Sterling and attended Sterling schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, including Sexson Elementary, Sterling Junior High, and Sterling High School, graduating with the Class of 1977. Doug proudly played football for Sterling High School, earning awards and recognition for his dedication and talent on the field, including the Bone Crusher Award and MVP-Defense.

After high school, Doug attended Northeastern Junior College for two years, completing the NJC Ag Diesel program. His passion for agriculture and mechanics became a lifelong pursuit. Doug continued the family farm and feedlot operation beginning in the mid-1970s and remained dedicated to it throughout his life.

Doug's accomplishments extended far beyond farming. Alongside his Dad, Uncle Ted and brother Kenny, he was a proud owner and operator of T&L Fritzler Livestock Inc. He dedicated his life to agriculture, cattle feeding, and continuing the family farming and feedlot operation. Outside of work, Doug had a deep passion for restoring and rebuilding classic vehicles. When he wasn't in the fields or feedlot, he could often be found in the shop working on his beloved 1932 and 1937 Fords, Chevrolet Cameo Carriers, early Chevrolet pickups from the 1940s through the 1980s, classic Chevrolet Chevelles, Camaros, Monte Carlos, Novas, and 1960s C-10 pickups. Whether repairing farm equipment or meticulously restoring a classic car, Doug's mechanical skill, craftsmanship, and attention to detail were evident in everything he touched.

Doug was a proud member of several car and truck associations, including the NSRA Car Association, Good-Guys Car and Truck Association. He was also a former member of ISCA Cars and Trucks, the Classic Chevy Pickup Club, and Colorado Flatlanders. His craftsmanship and dedication earned him numerous awards at car shows, and his work was featured in Truckin’ Magazine in 1981.

Doug married the love of his life, Karen Sinn, on June 9, 1979. Together they built a life filled with family, hard work, and countless memories. They welcomed two children, Nicole and Sean.

Doug is survived by his wife, Karen Fritzler of Sterling; daughter Nicole Koester and husband Jason, and granddaughter Addison of Sterling; son Sean Fritzler of Sterling; brother Kenny Fritzler and wife Jill of Sterling; stepmother Beverly Fritzler of Sterling; father-in-law Duane Sinn of Sterling; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Marilyn Fritzler; mother-in-law Gilda Sinn; sister-in-law Dawn Morris; and sister-in-law Vikki Godberson.

Doug will be remembered for his love of family, his dedication to farming, his mechanical talent, his passion for classic vehicles, and the many lives he touched through his kindness, hard work, quick wit humor and caring spirit.

In honor of Doug's lifelong love of classic cars and trucks, family and friends are invited to drive their classic vehicles to the Celebration of Life. Doug took great pride in restoring and preserving these treasured automobiles, and this tribute would have meant a great deal to him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Doug Fritzler Memorial in c/o Halouska Family Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, PO Box 1046, Sterling, CO 80751.