—Submitted Photos Dic Fitzgerald follows through (top photo) on a golf shot. The fourth annual Dic Fitzgerald Memorial is set for Saturday, July 19 at the Manson Golf and Country Club.

MANSON — Jared Fitzgerald’s father had just one wish before he passed away in 2021.

And while Fitzgerald wasn’t able to fulfill it at the time, he eventually did while spawning a golf tournament that has now raised over $23,000 in three years for the Disabled American Veterans.

The fourth annual Dic Fitzgerald Memorial is set for Saturday, July 19 this year at the Manson Golf and Country Club with a 10 a.m. shotgun start.

“Dad always said when he died he just wanted a party out at the golf course,” Fitzgerald said. “He didn’t want anyone being sad; just for everyone to go out, play some golf and have a good day.

“Unfortunately, he passed away in December so we couldn’t go golfing. I decided to do something in the summer to honor him and figured we might as well raise some money at the same time.”

Dic Fitzgerald served in the Vietnam War with the U.S. Army after graduating from Manson High School in 1969. He worked in industrial and agricultural construction while raising three children with his wife, Peggy.

Between being a husband, father and eventual grandfather to seven, Fitzgerald enjoyed his time at the golf course.

“It’s meant a lot,” Fitzgerald said of starting the golf tournament. “Dad was never a man that wanted a big fuss about him. He was always helping others while never asking for help or expecting anything in return.

“So to do this and make it about him, in his name and to help an organization that was important to him has meant a lot to myself, my mom and all of dad’s remaining siblings. Grandma Teresa was able to be there for the first one before she passed. To see her smile and see people celebrate dad was pretty great to see and experience with her.”

The Disable American Veterans (DAV) was founded in 1920 and has become the most impactful veterans charities in the United States. Dic Fitzgerald donated each year to the cause.

“He loved being a veteran and helping others,” Fitzgerald said. “That first year we raised over $5,000 and everyone had a blast and wanted to keep doing it, so we have. A one time thing has turned out to be an annual event.”

A total of 22 teams took part in the event last year for the four-person best shot.

“One of the board members (at the course) told me that our tournament is the second or third biggest weekend for them behind only the Middleton Classic,” Fitzgerald said. “Elias Johnson does a phenomenal job with the Middleton and it is a life-force all on its own.

“As long as we can keep raising money in dad’s name I definitely want to keep doing it.”

Fitzgerald leans on a large support system of aunts, uncles and cousins to make sure “everything runs smooth.” He also said the Manson Golf and Country Club “is always accomodating and great” with Todd Partlow having the course “always looking good.”

“I don’t ever have to ask,” he said. “They just call or show up and ask what they need to do. I have the best family. We’re all close. My cousin Theresa is a huge part of all of this as she is active getting out there and getting sponsors and running the raffle.”

The event also provides Fitzgerald with a chance to remember his time spent on the course all those years with his father.

“Every memory comes back that I have with him out there,” he said. “From my first par, which was also my first chip-in, first time I out drove him, first time I beat him, the jokes and ribbing each other. It’s like he’s still out there with me.”