Fritz Muhlethaler ENCINITAS — Walter Frederick “Fritz” Muhlethaler died peacefully on Saturday, February 26, 2011, surrounded by his family and friends.
He was born in Los Angeles, Calif., on June 21, 1944, to Dorothy and Walter Muhlethaler and resided in North County San Diego since 1950.
Fritz graduated from San Dieguito High School in 1962, where he was a three-sport star competing in football, wrestling, and track. Subsequently, he earned his BA from Cal Poly Pomona and later his Masters Degree from Long Beach State University.
He dedicated the next 36 years of his life mentoring and molding thousands of students in English, weightlifting and on his athletic teams. He also earned several distinguished coaching awards in Southern California. Known as “The Big Man” because of his size and strength, Fritz was as kind and intelligent as he was powerful.
Concluding a teaching and coaching career that spanned four decades at Norco, San Dieguito, and LaCosta Canyon High Schools, Fritz retired in 2007.
Fritz is survived by his wife of 42 years, Judy; son, Matthew (Jennifer); grandson, Vaughn; son, Nathan; brother, Marc; and his nieces, Jennifer and Nicole. He will be missed, but lives on in his sons and the many students and athletes that he has influenced.
The Celebration of Life will be held at 1p.m., on Sunday, March 13, 2011 in San Dieguito High School’s gymnasium. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the La Costa Canyon and San Dieguito High School athletic programs.*
Click here to sign the Guest Book online.
*A flyer was passed out at Coach Muhlethaler’s memorial service with the following information:
The Fritz Muhlethaler Memorial Foundation was established by family and friends to honor his commitment to the student from San Dieguito Union High School District. Fritz coached football and wrestling for over 30 years. His foundation will fund scholarships for youths to attend wrestling camp as well as football and wrestling programs at La Costa Canyon High School and San Dieguito Academy.
Donations can be made to the Fritz Muhlethaler Memorial Foundation at any time through the Coastal Community Foundation. Contributions are tax-deductible. Your gift today will facilitate and sustain the significant influence Fritz had on so many students and individuals in the community.
…if you would like to contribute to this fund, make checks payable to Coastal Community Foundation. Be sure to note Fritz Muhlethaler in the memo section of your check. Questions regarding the fund can be directed to Sharon Omahen at (760) 942-9245.
Checks should be made payable to Coastal Community Foundation and mailed to PO Box 230415, Encinitas, CA 92023-0415. Please indicate where you want your donation designated:
- La Costa Canyon football
- La Costa Canyon wrestling
- San Dieguito High School Academy wrestling
- No designation