James “Fritz” Wohler

“Some things are so unexpected that no one is prepared for them.”

–     Leo Rosten, Polish born-American screenwriter (1908-1997)

There is no guarantee of tomorrow.  And, no matter what we think, we simply never know.

“Fritz” was 50.  He had ten kids.

About 25 years ago, I had the pleasure of managing a young guy named Fritz Wohler.  His brother, Gil, a buddy who would, a few years later, be an usher in our wedding, introduced us.  “Fritz is a good kid,” Gil said when I was looking to hire a route salesman.  “He’ll work hard, he’ll produce, and you’ll really like him.”

He worked hard.  He produced.  I really liked him.

We weren’t “in touch” since about 1990, at least not in the traditional sense.  I never met his wife, Peggy, or any of the children.  Via Facebook, I knew Fritz loved his wife and was proud of his kids.  Via an occasional game of Words With Friends, he’d poke fun with that needle of his in the chat window.

Fritz was a great needler.  He had an almost elfin way about him, an ornery gleam in his eye and a quick wit that made him a lot of fun to work with and be around.  He was also a loyal employee, who pushed the envelope and sold a ton of Budweiser.  Most of it at the expense of a Coors route guy named “Kirby.”  On at least two occasions, Fritz’s needle pushed Kirby to the point of taking a swing. Fritz won — both the scrap and the shelf space.

Fritz was killed Tuesday in a head-on car crash in rural Kansas where he lived with his wife and family.

There is no guarantee of tomorrow.

That is why difference makers work to make a difference every day.

Peggy Wohler has ten kids to educate.  Wanna make a difference for a guy that worked hard, produced, and whom I really liked?

Memorial are being accepted at Cline’s Mortuary, 412 Main Street, Victoria, KS 67671.  Make checks payable to “Wohler Children Education Fund.”

It will make a difference.