June 28, 1943 – December 1, 2023
Pastor Donald Ralph Fry age 80, of Ithaca, left this world to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 1, 2023 at Schnepps memory care unit surrounded by family.
Don was born June 28, 1943 in Muskegon, MI, the son of Ralph and Tura (Burke) Fry. He grew up with his brother Collin (Colleen) Fry and sister Jean (Dick) Mikkelson. He graduated from Muskegon High School, class of 1961 and went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree from MSU and a Master of Divinity from Methodist Theological Seminary of Ohio. He pastored at Methodist churches all over Michigan including Marne, Marion, Newaygo, Three Rivers, Ovid and Dansville. He loved serving the people of his congregations and communities. He was a Grand Traverse youth coordinator and a dean and counselor at Lake Louise camp for over 20 years. Don was also an EMT and volunteer firefighter for many years in Marne and Marion.
Don married Bonnie Carter in 1967 and had one son Michael (John) Fry-Perrow, and one daughter Andrea Fry, a grandson Jack Fender and a grandaughter Margaret Fender. Don married Anna (Hegle) Fry in 1994. He gained a son Neil (Stephanie) Hegle and daughter Gina (Stephen) Barnes. Grandsons Jacob (Maci) Barnes, Aaron (Skylar) Barnes, Benjamin Hegle, Daniel Hegle and granddaughter Hannah Barnes. Great-grandchildren Alice, Aria, Hazel, Elijah and Théoden Barnes. He loved his family, friends, food, a good laugh, summers at the cottage, worshiping Jesus, singing in the choir and Ithaca football. He never missed any of his grandson’s games from 6th to 12th grade. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister and son Neil.
A memorial service will be held at the Ithaca Methodist Church 327 E. Center St, Ithaca, MI 48847 on Saturday, December 9th at 1 pm with a showing preceding the service at 11:30 am with Paul Wilson officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Folds of Honor.
The family is being served by Barden Funeral Home of Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com
Last Updated on December 4, 2023