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Mark Fries Obituary
May 19, 1949 - December 19, 2024
Mark Fries was born on May 19, 1949 in Lewiston, MT. He died at the age of 75 in Las Vegas, NV after a fall at Lake Havasu, AZ. He's the oldest of 4 siblings of George and Helen Fries.
He graduated from Fergus High School in 1967. He graduated from Montana State University; and it was there that he met and married Kay Whipplinger. They later divorced. After graduating, he was drafted into the Army and spent most of that time in Guam.
He worked for several years as a bank loan officer in South Dakota and Washington. He then worked and finished out his career as a loan officer for the Small Business Administration in Portland, OR and Helena, MT. During that time he received his Masters Degree from Gonzaga University.
He reconnected with and then married Barbara Behimer Alexander in 1985. They moved to Helena, MT with Barb's kids Kami and Brad Alexander, and lived there until both Mark and Barb retired. They moved to Whitehall, MT in 2008. They enjoyed water skiing, snow skiing, snowmobiling and camping. In later years they wintered in Lake Havasu, AZ.
Mark is survived by his wife, Barb; their kids, Kami (Nick), Brad (Miki), grandkids Ellie, Eve and Will Garrett, and Wyatt and Mason Alexander; his brother Glen (Ann), his brother Scot (Susie), and sister Lori (Tim), by Ron Behimer (Dolly) and Linda (John) Haggerty and all of their families. He also has many cousins he was very close to.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Mark will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Fries
Mari Hage Landsverk
January 24, 2025
My deepest condolences
Roger Seilstad
January 23, 2025
Mark and my sister were baptized on the same day. Loved the Fries family especially Marks dad. Mark will be missed. God bless
Cousin Linda
January 22, 2025
Our cousins were like brothers and sisters in Lewistown, Montana... Mark, like a third brother to me. We were so very fortunate to have a village raising us in the 1950s and 60s... Grandma and Grandpa Hage, all of our aunts and uncles. Barb and her Beheimer family were always close to our Hage family as neighbors, at Zion Lutheran, in school and community. God bless you both, Mark and Barb. Love, Linda
Nancy (Hage) & Steve Mattheis
January 22, 2025
My condolences to all of his siblings! Mark was a great guy and I always enjoyed visiting with him at family functions! He is again reunited with his parents, 3 other cousins on the Hage side, Mike, Sherry & Gordon, Grandma & Grandpa Hage and lots of others!! Prayers!
Love, Nancy (Hage) & Steve Mattheis
JACK LEININGER
January 22, 2025
Mark was such a good guy and became a good friend to me when we moved to town from the country. I remember his great smile, gentle disposition, and sitting near him in the band.
Rena Carlson
January 21, 2025
Barb and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of Mark's accident and passing. I sure loved working with him at SBA for all those years! Boy back in the day we all had some great times together that I certainly won't forget. Prayers for peace and healing in the days ahead. Thinking of you.
Billie Lou Philp
January 20, 2025
It was great to reconnect with Mark & Barb when they came to Lake Havasu in the winter. Mark will be greatly missed. It was great talking with you the other day, Barb; please let me know if there is anything I can help with.
Larry Grinde
January 20, 2025
Barb and family
Mark was a kind man! I always enjoyed our time together.
frank gremaux
January 19, 2025
working for Marks dad was a great time in my life. when Mark worked with us in his high school years ,
it was so much fun! He always had a coment for his dad.....like....its a great ol tuesday...no it is wed !
frank gremaux
January 19, 2025
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Ray Beck
January 18, 2025
I´m very sorry to hear of Mark´s accident and passing. Mark was a great guy!
Ron and Sue Zeiler
January 18, 2025
Sorry to hear the news about Mark. Our prayers are with Barb, Kami, Brad and the grandkids. Sue and I had so many good times with Mark and Barb. They were our lake buddies skiing and we had several dinners at our lake homes. When we loss our daughter Darcee we had so much support from Mark and Barb and spent so many hours and days with them to help with the pain. Mark was one of the most honest and caring persons I have ever known, worked with and of course a great friend! The last few years we lived in different areas but a phone call every once in awhile would allow us to catch up. He will truly be missed and always remembered by my entire family. RIP good friend and prayers for Barb
Tom Moe
January 17, 2025
Mark was known for his broad smile and quick laugh. He was a joy to know and very well liked in our high school class. RIP Mark
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