Donald Fries

Donald C Fries died Sat. January 16, 2016 at Heritage Hall in Broken Bow, NE. Don was the eldest son born 6/22/18 on a farm south of Upland, NE to Lena (Imhof) and Alfred Fries. He went to a country school graduating from the 8th grade and started high school. Following the hired man’s appendicitis attack he stayed home and worked with his parents on the family farm. At the age of 23, Don was drafted into the U.S Army on August 1, 1941. He served his country proudly for 3 1/2 years. He was honorably discharged from active duty on February 23, 1945, 2 years and 7 months of that time was spent over seas in the European-African, Middle Eastern Theatre of Operations. Don served in 6 of the 7 campaign battles of World War II. Don served in the Continental Peninsula, France, Western Europe, Normandy, Northern France, Germany, North Africa, Algiers, Bizerte, and Sicily. Some of the medals Don received were the Good Conduct Combat Infantry Badge, Motor vehicle Driver's Bar, American Defense Service Ribbon, Silver Star Medal, 3 Battle Stars, Normandy Campaign Bar and Battlestar, and the EAME Campaign Medal. Remarkably by the grace of God, Don never required or received any medical attention during his years of service. Following his honorable discharge, Don returned to work on the family farm. Attending church one Sunday, Don met his wife Rodgie Don Newman. After courting, they married in Minden. The couple lived south of Upland on a farm. Their first daughter Mary Ann was born while they resided there. Later they moved south of Mason City to a farm and shared with Don's in-laws farming operation. A second daughter Sally was born 4 years after the first. Don's wife taught school and he continued farming. Don and Rodgie celebrated 42 years of marriage. Rodgie passed away on October 19, 1992. In 1995, after a brief courtship Don married Alma Davis and they lived on an acreage outside Mason City. Don and Alma enjoyed their home, working on many yard and carpentry projects together. Collecting and sharing antiques, visiting & calling on friends were only some of the many things they both thoroughly enjoyed. Following a car accident both Don & Alma entered Golden Living Center together in June of 2014. Alma passed away September 10, 2014. Don eventually moved to Heritage Hall in October 2015. Donald was a quiet, humble man of many talents. Don loved to be outside working with animals, crops, & people. Don wasn't afraid to learn and utilize his talents, many of which were shared with all in need. Don was a lifetime member of the United Methodist church wherever he resided. Don served and did extensive work on the Ansley United Methodist Church structure. He was a member of the American Legion and enjoyed serving with the Color Guard. Survivors include his daughter Sally (Steve) Babbitt of Broken Bow, 2 grandchildren Carey McCormick(Aaron) of Gibbon and Levi Babbitt of Lincoln. 3 great grandchildren: Jocelyn, Keira & Aidan of Gibbon. 2 stepdaughters: Shirley Carter of Ansley & Sandy Carter 2 step granddaughters: Susie (Randy) Keffeler & Karen Workman both of South Dakota 2 great step grandchildren: Austin & Chaney Keffeler both of South Dakota Sister in-law Joan Fries of Upland, NE, several nieces, nephews, & cousins. Brother in-law Clarence Cherry of Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Vernon, sister Dorothy, both wives: Rodgie Newman Fries and Alma Davis Fries, one daughter Mary Ann and one step-son Gary Carter. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday January 20, 2016 at 10:30 AM in the United Methodist Church in Ansley with Pastor Jim Koontz officiating. Burial will be in the Ft. McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell, NE. Memorials may be given to the donor’s choice. A register book may be signed at Govier Bros. Mortuary in Broken Bow.