Karl Errol Prinsen

Skip, W7PN, is now a silent key. Karl “Skip” Errol Prinsen, Sr. died on April 1, 2018 at the Washakie Medical Center in Worland, WY from the effects of dementia.

He was born February 5, 1942 in Gardner, Massachusetts, the oldest of four children born to and Raymond E. and Martha (Locke) Prinsen. He grew up in Springfield, Vermont graduating from High School in 1960. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed on the USS Enterprise during the Vietnam War. Skip retired from Miramar after serving 28 years.

In 1965 he married Mary Irene Short, 4 children were born to this union. They later divorced.

He married Beverly May in 1975. They were divorced in 1989. He attended the National University in San Diego graduating in 1999 with a master’s degree in Educational Technology. He taught middle school and high school students in Campo, California.

On September 2, 1992 Skip married Fredda L. Fritz in El Cajon, California. The couple stayed in California where he worked for DUI programs as a supervisor/counselor with adult court-mandated programs. A recovering alcoholic, himself, since 1972, Skip made his life’s work in helping others overcome their addictions. He knew the struggles first hand and wanted to make a difference for others. Upon retiring in 2006, they moved to Worland where he was able to dedicate his time to his love of Amateur Radio and teaching people how to become licensed ham radio operators. He held state and local offices within the Ham Radio Network in Wyoming. He also enjoyed working on and with computers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Edward “Ted” Prinsen and sister, Kathy Fenwick.

Survivors include his wife of 26 years, Fredda; former wives Beverly and Irene; children, Karl E. Prinsen, Jr. of South Carolina; Ray (Tam) Prinsen of Pennsylvania; Jim Prinsen and Theresa Prinsen all of Maryland; 8 Grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter; brother, Clayton Prinsen of New Hampshire; brother-in-law, Lanny (Francine) Fritz, sister-in-law, Adella Fritz all of Worland and nephews, Sean, Pat and Louis Fritz.