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William Fries Obituary
Age 63, of Aurora, formerly a long-time resident of Naperville. At peace September 6, 2008 at Loyola Medical Center, Maywood, IL. Born December 22, 1944, Oak Park, IL.
Survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Fries (nee Kreider); loving children, Lori (nee Fries) Wright of Fort Collins, CO and Timothy Fries (Emily) of Aurora, IL; his sister, Judy Hobbs (Clinton) of Hendersonville, TN.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lillian Fries.
Bill was a graduate of Proviso East High School and received a degree in Music Education with a percussion emphasis from the University of Illinois. Bill served his country in the US Army, while serving, he was in the 5th and 50th Army Bands. He was an active member at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. As an avid percussionist, Bill touched many lives through his music and music education including with the church, the Naperville Big Band and Naperville Central's Drum Show and with numerous local bands. He was a mentor and teacher to many young musicians who were eager to learn percussion.
Bill achieved his dream job working for Ludwig Drum Company in 1979 which moved the family to Bloomington, MN for 7 years. For the past 23 years he worked as a Financial Associate for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. In addition to his work at Thrivent, Bill enjoyed being a board member for Kid's Matter and a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.
Funeral Services will be celebrated at 10:30am, Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 815 S. Washington St., Naperville, 60540. Family and friends will gather for visitation from 3-8 PM Monday at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, and on Tuesday one hour prior to the services at the church. Interment private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, 134 North LaSalle St. Suite #1950, Chicago, IL 60602 or Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home
44 S. Mill Street, Naperville, IL 60540
Info: 630/355-0213 or www.friedrich-jones.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Fries
Tom and Betty Ross
September 15, 2008
To Bill's family,
We are so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a patient and kind man, and always very helpful when talking about financial matters through Thrivent. We will miss him and his friendly visits and chats.
Bill Feldman
September 15, 2008
Sorry to hear about Bill.
I roomed with him in Urbana the summer before the Jazz Band went to Europe. I played bari sax in that group. The Dixie Band where he played drums was a real hit with the audiences there.
He was a good guy, and I'm sorry for your loss.
IdaLynn Wenhold
September 9, 2008
Dear Carolyn & Family,
Bill Fries was one of KidsMatter's founders - and he did so much for our organization. His commitment to young people was exemplary - and he was a role model of character for young and old alike. Thank you for sharing him all of those years. On behalf of KidsMatter, we send our deepest condolences.
September 8, 2008
Dear Carolyn & family:
Please accept my deepest sympathy in this time of sorrow. My father-in-law, husband and son knew Bill for many years. He will be missed. Stay strong!
Eleanor Spevak (Vern, Sr.)
Lu & Marv Koerper
September 8, 2008
Dear Carolyn, Lori, Tim & Judy,
Our prayers were always for a return to health for Bill. He was such a soldier for the Lord. No doubt he is now drumming in the heavenly praise band. We share in your loss.
Brett & Michelle (Baumgarten) Lundsten
September 8, 2008
We are so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. May God be with you and give you comfort during this time. I will always remember him as such a kind, caring man with a love for serving others. You are in our hearts and prayers! Sorry we could not be there. Much Love,
JIM MCKINNEY
September 7, 2008
Carolyn, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Bill was a great guy, he was one of the "Broadview Boys" growing up. I am thankful that I had such a good friend to grow up with. I will always cherish his friendship.
Vern Spevak
September 7, 2008
Dear Carolyn and Family -
We are saddened by the loss of Bill, a wonderful friend, mentor and musician. Please accept our sincerest condolences.
Sincerely,
Vern and Eileen Spevak, and family
Psalm 126:5 Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.
Arnold Park
September 7, 2008
Our prayers are with you at this sad time.
Arnold and
Donna Park
Tim Fries
September 7, 2008
Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers, it means a lot to us all.
As the announcement states, if you are interested in a memorial gift to Bill we have selected the Lymphoma Research Foundation (because they are working hard for a cure to Mantle Cell Lymphoma specifically) I found a link to the website for memorial gifts so, you can follow the link below. The other option is a memorial to our church.
http://www.lymphoma.org/site/pp.asp?c=chKOI6PEImE&b=1573327#memorial
Thanks again,
Terry Gallagher Krammen
September 7, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Terry Sula
September 7, 2008
Carolyn, Lori, Tim and Judy:
Our thoughts are with you all. Bill was a great friend... a true gentleman. He was my best friend in grade school, through high school and beyond. Kim and I treasure our friendship with you.
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