Michael Eugene Fries

1944 - 2013

Michael Eugene Fries entered Eternal Life on December 5, 2013 following a brief illness. Michael was born in San Bernardino, California on May 1, 1944 to Marlene and Don Fries.

Michael never knew his father, who died in WW II when Michael was an infant. Michael's young years were spent in California, Georgia, Okinawa, and Nebraska with his mother and step-father, Buzz Kizzire and younger brother, Jack. Michael came back to live in California with his maternal grandmother after the death of his mother in 1953.

In his senior year at Pacific High School in San Bernardino, Michael joined the Naval Reserves and enlisted in 1961 following his graduation. Michael had a 23-year Naval career as a Gunners Mate in Ordinance achieving the rating of Senior Chief. He liked being call "Chief"!

Michael married March Hughes in 1975. March preceded Michael in death in February 2006. They had two daughters, Christina and Chanel. In July 2013, Michael married Jean Alden who cherished every moment she and Michael were able to spend together.

Michael was proud of his 23-year service in the Navy, served on several ships and naval stations. After Naval retirement, Michael spent another 23 years in Federal Civil Service at Point Mugu.

Mike is survived by his wife, Jean Alden Fries; his daughters, Christina and Chanel Fries, Stephen Williams, Chanel's fiance; his brother, Jack Kizzire and wife Mona, of Mesa, AZ. Among his many close friends are Jerry and Margarete Olivas, Scott and Terry Busse; the Sanchez family of San Bernardino, and Kai Lioni.

The family is grateful for the care Michael was given by the doctors, nurses and staff of St. John's Hospital and Roze Room Hospice of Ventura.

Michael was an avid reader. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to Sacred Heart School Library, 10770 Henderson Rd. Ventura 93004 or to Wounded Warriors.

The memorial service for Michael Fries will be held at Padre Serra Church in Camarillo on Saturday, December 21 at 2 p.m.