Thomas Friye

Thomas (Tom) Friye, age 84, of Quincy, died on Saturday, January 31, 2026 in Blessing Hospital after a courageous battle with leukemia. He was born on January 31, 1942 at St. Mary Hospital in Quincy, the son of Ted and Glenora (Heubner) Friye. Tom attended St. Francis Grade School and graduated from Christian Brothers Catholic High School in 1960. He also took classes at Iowa State University to become a registered landscape architect. Tom married Nancy Bardon at St. John Catholic Church on October 8, 1966.

Tom briefly worked for Grieving Sheet-Metal. He then worked for Hamann Florist for 10 years. In January 1971, Tom began working for Bergman Nurseries where he stayed for 28 years. Tom was well-known in and around the Quincy area for his artistic and design abilities in landscape architecture. Among the best moments of his career was when Tom, along with his 3 sons, proudly purchased Bergman Nurseries in 1999 from the Bergman family. He retired in June of 2012, after 41 years in the landscaping business.

Tom coached Park District baseball for many years. He thoroughly enjoyed following all of his sons' sports and school activities. Following QND sports was a passion for Tom and continues to be for Nancy. Tom served on numerous local boards and organizations including the Quincy Roman Catholic Cemetery board for over 30 years, the Quincy Tree Commission, and the Quincy Notre Dame High School board.

Through the years, Tom and Nancy took pleasure in many wonderful trips, with his sister, Carolyn and her husband Denny Lubbe, as well as vacations with lifelong friends Tom and Shirley Kane. Tom also enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends. After retiring, Tom spent many hours at the "farm" doing all sorts of things but most importantly enjoying the beauty of God's glorious creation.

Tom was a steadfast husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, as well as; his three sons: Todd Friye (Dee), Travis Friye (Pam) and Trevor Friye (April) all of Quincy. He was a proud grandfather to Austin Friye (Taylor), Logan Friye (Delaney), Noah Friye (Sawyer), Jonah Friye, June Friye, Kale Friye and Easton Friye. As well as a great-grandfather to Halston Friye and Beckett Friye. He is also survived by his sister Carolyn Lubbe (Denny), sister-in-law Barbara Bardon Bockhaus, as well as numerous other nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws: Harold and Alvera Bardon, and brothers-in-law: Bruce Bardon and Roger Bockhaus.

The family would like to thank all of the wonderful caregivers who helped Tom. Because of the thankless sacrifices of blood donors, Tom was able to be part of many major family events this past year. We thank those who have donated and encourage those who can to do so. It is a life saving gift that has such a huge impact on the quality of life for so many.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 9:30 in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and at 10:00 in St. Francis Catholic Church. Interment in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM in St. Francis Catholic Church. Memorials may be made to St. Francis Parish or to Quincy Notre Dame High School. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.