Michael Arden Fritts, 86, Rapid City, died Sunday November 3, 2019 at Avantara North. He is survived by his children, Michael Fritts (Terri), Lauree Gottuso and Kathy Jobgen. Brother Charles Fritts, Grandchildren Brandie Tillery (Cody, son Hunter, daughter Brooklyn); Tanner Jobgen (Alysia, daughter’s Amelia & Mattie); Cory Jobgen; Rachel Fritts (Michael) & Jessica Fritts. Michael (Mike as he liked to be called), was born on August 10, 1933 to Catherine O’Brien and Arden Fritts in Minneapolis, MN. He served in the US Army and was honorably discharged July 31, 1956. Michael had one true love in his life Carol Carlson whom he met in Whitewood, SD where his father, Arden, ran a surplus store for many years. They married in 1961 and though they divorced, they remained close friends and he never remarried. He was a wanderer and free spirit travelling the country on 18 wheels; California one week Chicago the next and so on throughout his entire life. He taught many lessons to all of his family members through the school of life. Home was in Denver, Colorado where he lived for 40 years until 2015 when he moved to Rapid City and lived with his daughter Kathy. A kind soul, who loved his family dearly; he was always quick witted and always thinking of the next new business adventure. Thankfully, his family was able to be with him during his last days. We know that he is back to shifting gears and rolling on down the highway again in that “Big Blue Sky”.