Obituary of Frederick A. Schweighardt
Frederick A. “Fritz” Schweighardt, 53, died unexpectedly December 5, 2023, in Cypress, Texas. He was born September 4, 1970, in St. Maries, ID. He was the son of Fred A. Schweighardt and Mary Lou (Best) Baker. He was the Director of Business Development and International Expert for Airgas, an Air Liquide Company in Houston, Texas.
Fritz graduated from St. Maries High School, class of 1988. Following graduation, he served with the U.S. Army, trained as a Bradley Fighting Vehicle System mechanic, and deployed to West Germany.
On 2 August 1990, Iraq, governed by Saddam Hussein, invaded neighboring Kuwait. Fritz was assigned from Germany to Operation Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf December 18, 1990. There he worked with Bradley Fighting Vehicles and tank recovery vehicles known as the M88. At one point during the Gulf War “end run” Fritz and his unit had penetrated further into Iraq than any other. Operation Desert Storm began with the aerial bombing campaign against Iraq on 17 January 1991 and came to a close with the American-led liberation of Kuwait on 28 February 1991.
During his military service Fritz earned the following medals and badges: Army Service Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Sharpshooter Marksmanship Badge Rifle, M-16, Sharpshooter Marksmanship Badge, Grenade, and two Army Commendation Medals.
Citation accompanying one of two Army Commendation Medals, given June 17, 1991.
To: Specialist Frederick Schweighardt, 6th Battalion 6th Infantry
For: meritorious achievement while assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division from 17 January to 28 February 1991 during Operation Desert Storm. He contributed greatly to the Brigade’s preparation for combat operations in Tactical Assembly Area Garcia. He also played a key role in the Iron Brigade’s overwhelming success in the allied campaign against the Iraqi Armed Forces, including the Brigade’s reduction of Al Busayyah on 26 February and the destruction of the “B” Brigade of the Medinah Republican Guards Division on 27 February. His performance is in keeping with the finest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflects great credit on his unit and the Iron Brigade.
With a grateful nation and a proud family appreciative of his combat experience in the liberation of Kuwait, Fritz left active-duty June 26, 1991, and launched an outstanding civilian career.
After serving in the Army, Fritz began his college education at Salt Lake Community College. He later transferred to Utah State University, in Logan, where he earned a degree in Welding Engineering Technology.
He married Kristina Montoya of Salt Lake City, July 25, 1997. After graduation from Utah State, Fritz was hired by Air Liquide in July 2000.
In his personal life, Fritz or Fred, was a dedicated husband to Kristina, a loving father to Paige and Ty, and loved to spend time with his two-year-old grandson King.
Those who worked with Fritz write:
“Fred was a positive force in the lives of everyone he knew. Fred continually provided high-quality content and insight into the world of welding, valves, stainless steel, and heat exchangers. More than that, he had a great talent for making everyone he met feel welcomed, included, and valued. He was an incredible engineer, author, and educator, but more importantly, he was a kind man with a great sense of humor, and he will be greatly missed.”
Fritz was dedicated to the PTSD Foundation of America, a place where combat veterans come to heal from the unseen wounds of war. Two years ago, “Logs,” as Fritz was known to his fellow veterans, launched F3 at Camp Hope, the local chapter of the PTSD Foundation of America, aka “Hope Locker.” “F3” stands for Fellowship, Fitness, and Faith. F3 became a cornerstone of Camp Hope because it aligned so closely with the group’s core values.
Fritz got the nickname “Logs” because of the logging tradition of St. Maries, the hometown of his youth.
Steven Barnett, Development Specialist, PTSD Foundation of America, writes:
Fred’s unwavering support for veterans has made a lasting impact on our campus, transforming countless lives. His presence every Saturday, his inspiring speeches, and his belief in recovery gave hope to veterans who had lost it. Thanks to Fred, many who were once hopeless found new strength and purpose.
Fred lived by the principle, “Leave no man behind, but leave no man where you find him.”
It is because of Fred that our veterans are able to inherit hope once more. Fred was a pillar in our community. His memory will always be a part of Camp Hope, and we are deeply grateful for all he has done. His legacy of compassion and dedication will continue to inspire us. We honor Fred’s memory and the positive change he brought to so many lives, with heartfelt gratitude.
Fritz is survived by his spouse Kristina, daughter Paige, son Ty, and grandson King, all of Cypress, Texas, his parents Mary Lou and Jeffrey Baker of Post Falls, Idaho, and his sister Anne Schweighardt of Pittsford, New York.
Fritz’s life of high accomplishment began in St. Maries. He first learned to weld at St. Maries High School. His first job as a welder was with St. Maries Wild Rice Company, helping fabricate wild rice processing equipment. His sharpshooting skills which served him well in the U.S. Army were developed with his hunting buddies in St. Maries.
A celebration of life will be held in St. Maries:
Military honors will be held at the Veteran’s Memorial in the St. Maries Woodlawn Cemetery, Monday, June 24, 2024, at 11AM.
Memorial Service will be held at the St. Maries Elk’s, at noon, Monday, June 24, 2024.
A meal will follow services at the Elks Lodge in St. Maries, ID.
