Online Obituaries Saturday, Dec. 6, 2003 2003 obituaries 2002 obituaries    2001 obituaries 2000 obituaries    1999 obituaries The Journal Online   Experience New Ulm Click here for today's obituaries    Albert Ochs, 80, of Faribault and formerly of New Ulm died, Thursday, December 4, 2003 at Infinia of Faribault Health Care Center following an extended illness.    Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, December 9, 2003 at 10 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, at Sacred Heart, in Faribault, with the Rev. Kevin Finnegan, pastor officiating. Interment will be held at the New Ulm Catholic Cemetery at 1:45 p.m. with military honors provided by the New Ulm Veterans Honor Guard.    Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault on Monday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to services. Parish prayers will be recited on Monday evening at 4:30 p.m.    Albert Joseph Ochs, the son of Ferdinand and Maude (Schuller) Ochs, was born on Aug. 5, 1923 in New Ulm, MN. He attended New Ulm High School and graduated with the class of 1941. On Dec. 15, 1942 Al entered the Air Force with the Army airways communication services as a radio mechanic during World War II. He was discharged on Feb. 12, 1946. After his service time, Al worked at his father's clothing store in New Ulm, called the Bee Hive, for 10 years with his father and brother Leon. On Jan. 30, 1956, he was united in marriage to Melva Dammann in New Ulm. In that same year, Al bought the Shamrock Bar in Faribault and operated it until 1963 when he sold it and went to work for Thomas D. Murphy Co. selling advertising products. Later Al became the office manager for Healy Construction in Faribault and retired in 1985. Al was very active as a volunteer at Infinia in Faribault, once called Faribault Manor, playing cards with the residents and being President of the Family Council. He also enjoyed having morning coffee with his friends. Al was a member of several organizations including, the Faribault Aerie 1460 Fraternal Order of Eagles, Knights of Columbus Council 889, the V.F.W. Post 1562 and the American Legion Post 43 and the 40 & 8 club all in Faribault. Al was also Commander at the New Ulm American Legion Post 132 in 1955.    He is survived by his wife, Melva Ochs of Faribault, by a daughter, Laurie (& Robert) Braun of Faribault and by a son, Randy (& Julie) Ochs of Faribault; by five granddaughters and one great granddaughter and other relatives and friends.    He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother Leon Ochs.    Dr. Ted Fritsche, 97, of New Ulm, died on Friday, Dec. 5, 2003, at his home.    Services are 11 a.m. Monday at the United Church of Christ, with burial in the New Ulm City Cemetery.    Visitation is 3-6 p.m. Sunday and 7-8:30 a.m. Monday at Schmucker Funeral Service, New Ulm, and one hour prior to services at the church.    Merle W. Heck, 76, of Omaha, Nebraska died Thursday, December 4, 2003 in Omaha, Nebraska.    Funeral arrangements are pending with the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home in New Ulm.