Fritz Wilhelm Rabler, 78, of Arlington, Texas, passed away September 28, 2026. Fritz was born on April 8, 1948 in Bruck an der Mur, Austria to Friedrich Rabler and Leopoldine Rabler. He was the oldest of two children. Fritz was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Manfred Rabler. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Pamella Rabler, his daughters, Beate Spiezio and Erika Smith and sons-in-law Jim Spiezio and Jason Smith, his son, Uwe Rabler and daughter-in-law Pam Rabler; grandchildren Taylor McJilton, Jacob Finley, Addison Rabler, Deacon Smith and Harlow Smith; and family members and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him. Fritz was an ambitious and intelligent man, beginning work as an engineer at the age of 18 in Austria building electromechanical equipment for paper mills and wastewater treatment. He continued working in environmental science and engineering throughout his career and loved his work immensely. His career brought him to Lubbock, Texas in 1976 and eventually to Arlington, Texas in 1979 where he lived the remainder of his life, though he kept a special fondness for his home country of Austria. Fritz was a lover of chess and would challenge anyone to an intense game, where he would typically win. A sports enthusiast, Fritz especially enjoyed the outdoors, whether it be boating, fishing or lounging at the pool or beach. A visitation and gathering of family and friends will be held at Emerald Hills Funeral Home, 500 Kennedale Sublett Rd, Kennedale, TX 76060 at 2-4 p.m. October 29, 2026. The family will be greeting friends and relatives at the visitation.