Preston Dwight Fritzler

Preston Dwight Fritzler was born in La Junta, Colorado on September 21, 1993. He passed away March 15, 2021 in Eastern Las Animas County. Preston’s parents were Dwayne and Lori Jo Fritzler of Two Buttes, Colorado and his brother was Larry Dale.

Preston had a warm smile, a kind heart and never met an animal he didn’t like or want to take care of. He was given an electric truck at 8 years old to drive. As soon as his dad taught him to back a trailer up he wanted a bigger, faster, louder vehicle. He would survey the trucks and drivers when he was a small boy when cattle were moved in or out of the feedlot.

He was a natural horsemen, team roper and prolific bronc rider. Preston “Thunder” Fritzler was a perennial contestant and Champion in the Baca County Ranch Bronc riding and a qualifier for Little Britches Rodeo Association National Finals in saddle bronc riding. He won the hearts of many friends in his rodeo career as well.

Preston’s first pickup was a 12-valve, square-bodied Dodge he painted blue and silver. He bought his first blue Peterbilt right out of high school to haul hay, cattle and anything else he could find. Blue was his color and Peterbilt was his brand. Two trucks later he was driving ‘Cadillac Style.”

Everywhere he went he took his blue heeler Izzy. He found her on the side of the road and she adopted him in 2010. You hardly ever saw one without the other. They were always handy to go the extra mile stacking hay or sorting cattle. They’d see the country together one truck stop or McDonalds at a time. He’d give his last $20 and a smile to a stranger for fuel to get them where they were going.

From Ryanne Henderson:

Preston and I first met in Goodwell, OK at college. To know him was to love him and I love his smile, laugh and kind heart. We started dating June 13 ^th 2014 and my life has been an adventure ever since. Preston taught me to drive a standard pickup, equipment, and even let me drive his semi a time or two. He had so much patience for me and my blonde moments; like when I accidently put the truck in high gear and sent hay bales flying at him faster than any one person could stack. Preston, Izzy and I traveled all over the country together. From rodeos, hauling cattle, hauling hay and he showed me beautiful places I would have never gotten to see if it wasn’t for him. We loved hiking together looking for cool rocks. He always would give me every heart shaped rock he found. He kept me laughing, taught me so many important things, and always made me feel loved.

Preston was proceeded in death by: Grandpa Dale Fritzler

Preston is survived by: Girlfriend; Ryanne Henderson, Parents; Dwayne and Lori Jo, Brother; Larry Dale, Grandparents; Shirley Fritzler and Larry and Patsy Blundell, many uncles and aunts and cousins and his dog Izzy.