George William Fries

George William Fries, 92, was one of eight children born to Leo and Marie (Perry) Fries on a small family farm in Columbia City, Indiana. Like many growing up in the Depression, George learned to get by on very little. While that led to a lifelong appreciation for never throwing anything out, he was always quick to give anything he had to anyone who needed it more. From his very humble beginnings, he headed off to Indiana University in Bloomington-the first time he had access to indoor plumbing.

On a blind date set up by his sister in 1951, he met nursing student, Nancy Christle. They exchanged vows on December 27, 1954, in St. Therese Catholic Church in Waynedale, just down the street from her parents' house. George and Nancy moved to Indianapolis for George to finish dental school, where he graduated in 1957. He returned home to Columbia City to start his first dental practice at Linville Clinic. He then took the leap to open his own practice in Fort Wayne two years later. When it didn't have the success he had hoped for, the couple, now with a young family in tow, headed for a job at the Davis Clinic in Marion in 1965. He continued his practice in Marion for many years until retirement in 2006.

George's life was marked by a series of family tragedies that never broke his spirit. He faced a number of health issues. He lost his mother and sister in a horrific car accident. He outlived four of his children (Jane, Anne, Michael, and Harvey). However, where others may have given up, George was resilient and maintained his generosity to a fault. He loved people and enjoyed interacting with patients at his Marion practice. He would routinely treat them even if they were not able to pay right away. George was known for his fondness for ring bologna, and his extended family turned their regular reunions into BolognaFest celebrations.

George gave of his time and talent freely, keeping his license active into his 80s so he could serve as a director for Bridges to Health, a free health clinic he helped create for the citizens of Grant County. He was a past Grant County Dentist of the Year. In 2012, he received the Dr. Charles W. Gish Community Dental Health Award from the Indiana Dental Association for his "outstanding leadership to improve the dental health of Indiana citizens". George also served his community as a board member for the Community School of the Arts, supporting cultural activities and the revitalization of downtown Marion. He was deeply committed to his faith as a long-time member of St. Paul Catholic Parish in Marion. He also loved his wife of nearly 68 years, as they supported each other through their shared series of illnesses later in life. George was a doting father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who was quick with a hug and even quicker with an "I love you."

George leaves behind his loving wife, Nancy; daughters, Joanie (Dave) McGinnis and Julie (Randy) Rusk; granddaughters, Olivia and Annah Rusk; great-granddaughter, Salem; and many extended family members.

The family will receive visitors from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1031 W. Kem Rd., Marion, IN. Immediately following the time of visitation, a memorial mass for George will begin at 2:00 pm with Father Hilary Okeke officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Bridges to Health, 119 S. Washington St., Marion, IN 46952 or to Heart to Heart Hospice, 1385 N. Baldwin Ave. Marion, IN 46952.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.

Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.