Harold Fridkin Obituary (1926 - 2013)

Harold L. (Fritz) Fridkin, former County Counselor, political leader, and principal drafter of the Jackson County Charter, died Wednesday July 17, 2013 of complications stemming from heart failure. Fritz was born in Chicago in 1926. Enlisting in the Navy in 1944, he arrived in the Philippines as WWII was ending. After serving his country, he returned to St. Louis where he found his lifelong love, Louann. He spent his time in St. Louis studying law at Washington University and working in warehouses until 1952 when the couple left for Kansas City. It was here in K.C. that Fritz began his legal career with Allstate Insurance. Harold quickly branched into the political world, playing key roles in the election campaigns of Congressman Richard Bolling and many other Jackson County and Missouri elected officials. In 1966 he was appointed Jackson County Counselor where he oversaw bond issues for construction of Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums, as well as the Truman Medical Center. Fritz was appointed the chairman of the Jackson County Charter Commission, which was instrumental in the development and implementation of the charter that was passed in 1970. Fritz worked with and founded several prominent law firms during his time on Kansas City legal scene. In 1973, he joined the Linde Thomson law firm, later co-founded the firm of Craft, Fridkin, Shafer and Rhyne, and ended his 60 year legal career with Lathrop Gage. Fritz was honored to receive repeated designation as a Best Lawyer in America, a Super Lawyer, and was named among the 131 most influential leaders in Kansas City history by the KC Star. But nothing meant more to Fritz than his children. He sent all five of his children through college- three of them following in his footsteps and attending law school. Though Fritz was a lawyer by profession, he was a poet at heart- often quoting John Keats and Shakespearean sonnets. As Fritz would say, "Let's get on with it." In his free time Fritz loved to float rivers. His greatest satisfaction was found while camping at the Bar B C Ranch in Grand Teton National Park- the Snake River. Fritz took his family to visit there annually. He loved and was much loved by his family and many friends. Fritz is survived by his wife of 63 years, Louann, and children Mark, Jeff (Lucy), Mary, Paula (Jeff Howard) and Joe (Misty), his sister Sarajean (Steve), and his 9 grandchildren. The family wishes to express their appreciation for the outpouring of support and love from friends, family and members of the community. Private services. Cremation.