Frederick (Fritz) Brooks Ettl passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026, in his adopted home of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Fritz was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, lawyer, sailor, traveler, and friend whose warmth, intellect, and irreverent persona left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

Fritz is survived by his devoted wife, Breeze; his children, Fritz (Molly) and Carmen (Dave); his cherished grandchildren, Alexander, Ana Sofia, Oscar, and Simon; and siblings Jay, Barbara, and Greg.

Fritz often reflected with great fondness on his childhood at the Ettl family hobby farm, where he was raised by his parents, Joe and Madeline, alongside his brothers and sister. The farm shaped many of his happiest memories — long days spent riding horses through the surrounding fields, and the freedom of country life.

Fritz was a 1966 graduate of South Bend Adams High School. There, he was a member of the swim team and marching band. As a drummer, he also gigged with a local band called the Vikings and found it funny to brag about his days as a local “teenage idol”.

Fritz was a traveler. At just 16, he drove his parents’ VW Beetle from South Bend to Mexico City and a year later flew to Europe for the summer to work at an Opel dealership in Germany, where he painted cars. While traveling in Austria, he reconnected with his grandparents’ relatives in Vienna and Frauenkirchen, strengthening ties that meant a great deal to him. He maintained these relationships until the end. His adventures persisted as he aged, carrying him throughout Europe and Russia. In the last chapter of his life, Fritz and Breeze treasured their annual trips to Acapulco with dear friends.

Fritz was a graduate of DePauw University, where he earned a BA in History. There, he formed lifelong friendships and became a proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. During a transformative junior year abroad in Bogotá, he became enamored with bullfighting, he hitchhiked throughout southern Colombia, and spent Christmas of 1969 in the Amazon jungle, where he rode down the Amazon River with a group of electric eel fishermen. Fritz became fluent in Spanish and met Piedad Rodriguez, with whom he would later build a family.

Following graduation, Fritz earned a law degree at Indiana University — a decision that led to a distinguished and deeply fulfilling 47-year legal career. Fritz loved the law and, above all, loved being a lawyer. He was particularly proud of the pro bono legal services he provided to the local community in and around South Bend.

Fritz’s greatest joy was sailing the waters of Lake Michigan. He was proud to have been a crew member on several boats, participating in several races from Chicago to Mackinac Island. His favorite place in the world was the cockpit of his sailboat, surrounded by family and friends, engaged in lively conversation, with good music playing in the background, a glass of red wine in hand, and a cigar nearby.

Fritz lived fully and passionately. He loved his family, treasured his friendships, embraced adventure, and found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

08/02/2026 JFC