Donald Ralph Fry

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 Bachelors degree from MSU and a Masters 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, had one son Michael (John) Fry-Perrow and one daughter Andrea Fry- Grandson Jack Fender and 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 grandsons games from 6th-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 1pm with a showing preceding the service at 11:30am 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

Comments

[Timothy P Perilloux]

Condolences....Love, Brandi and Timothy Perilloux

[Sarah Erskine]

So many great memories to mention. I will be thankful to Don for introducing me to Evan and then marrying us.

[Chuck Smith]

My thoughts and prayers are lifted to our Lord that Don’s family. May GOD BLESS AND COMFORT YOU!

[John Hice]

Love and sympathy from the depths of my heart. Don was a good friend and colleague who kept focus on loving God, people, and his congregations. He was a faithful and joyful servant. It was an honor to work beside him. My regrets that I won't be able to attend either visitation or service - my heart joins you.

[Jackie Euper]

On behalf of the Michigan UM Clergy Spouses Association, we send our deepest sympathy to the family of Rev. Donald Fry. We are thankful for his ministry. May God's comfort surround you. In Christ, the Michigan Clergy Spouses Association

[Ed Perkins]

Don and I were in seminary together at Methesco. He had a keen mind, a great sense of humor, and a heart full of love. I will always remember him as a good colleague and friend.

[Sue Casler]

I have many memories of Pastor Don when he served here in Ovid. The one I will cherish is his smile, giggle and his love for the Lord and family! God Bless

[Beverly Barrone]

Thoughts and prayers are with you Anna as you celebrate Don’s life! Walk in faith!

[Jacqueline L Rothfuss]

Condolences and prayers of healing and comfort are sent to Don's family and loved ones at this time from Jackie Rothfuss. Don served with my husband Rev. Walt Rothfuss. We knew him well when he served in Albion District many years ago.

[Ned Weller]

A number of years ago, Don was a faithful clergy servant for the Keryx Prison Ministry at Boyer Road Correctional Facility in Carson City!