Harold Fries, age 94, lifetime resident of rural Willard, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at St. Francis Home in Tiffin, Ohio. He was born on May 3, 1928 in Plymouth, Ohio to the late Vernon and Mildred (Smith) Fries. Harold lived on, operated, and was dedicated to the family farm which is still operational in it’s fourth generation. He retired from the US Postal Service after 32-1/2 years of service and served on the Firelands Electric Board for 26 years. He spent 40 plus years playing in and leading dance bands, the most recent being called the “Serenaders”. Harold was an avid card player, with Euchre being his favorite, and he loved to travel.
He is survived by his spouse of 74-1/2 years, Mary (Nickoli) Fries whom he married on September 25, 1948; children, Sandra (Dieter) Kraft, Shirley (Adam) Fries, Sheila (Mike) Buurma, and Scott (Marilyn) Fries; sister, Corinne Stiving; 12 grandchildren; and 26 great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by children, Steve Fries and an infant, Stacy Fries; and a brother, Kenneth Fries.
Visitation will be at Secor Funeral Home in Willard, Ohio on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM where his Celebration of Life will be on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Dan Caudill officiating. Burial will follow at Centerton Cemetery in Centerton, Ohio. Memorial contributions may be made to the Church of the Master in Steuben, Ohio. Online condolences may be made to Harold’s family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com.
Condolences
Mary ( Kilgore ) Chambers - Apr 5, 2023
Mary and family, May God wrap you in His arms and comfort you.
Tom & Lucy Hay - Apr 5, 2023
Prayers go out to your family Harrold had a great smile and a kind word God bless
Don and Janet (Mahl) Gates - Apr 5, 2023
So sorry for your loss many thoughts and prayers
Ned and Cheri Peddicord - Apr 5, 2023
Dear Fries Family, may it give you comfort knowing that your loved one's mind is whole again. He surely was a family man. May the many wonderful memories help during this sad time.
Jim and Marlene Henry - Apr 5, 2023
Dear Mary and children- I will forever be grateful having Harold as our mailman on Miller Rd. And there was his smile, always there to light up the day. We extend our sympathy and prayers.
Veldean gearheart - Apr 4, 2023
Mary & family I am so sorry about your loss. We had some very great times together.
Ken and Donna Hay - Apr 4, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Fries family. Harold was such a friendly person with a great smile. His band played at our wedding 52 years ago.
Nancy Stumpf Weisenberger - Apr 4, 2023
Harold and Mary were great friends of my parents Charles & Jane Stumpf. They spoke of them fondly and frequently until they both passed on. Thoughts and prayers to the family. Harold lived a long life. RIP faithful servant.
Carol & Leslie Stoneham - Apr 4, 2023
Mary, Carol and I extend our sympathy to you and your family. We enjoyed you and Harold so much on our bus trips. We thought of you two when we passed by Renfro Valley Sunday on our way home from Florida. Leslie
Marianna and Philip Worcester - Apr 4, 2023
So very sorry for your loss. Such a great man! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
John and Donna Lindner - Apr 4, 2023
So sorry for your loss. Married 74.5 years, incredible! ❤️
Frank McFarland - Apr 4, 2023
Very sorry to see Harold’s passing. He was always so kind and I loved visiting them on the farm.
Kim Davis - Apr 4, 2023
So sorry for your family’s loss, sending healing prayers your way
Mary Beth Ditolvo - Apr 3, 2023
I am so very sorry for your loss, Scott. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Jim and Hilary Crawford - Apr 3, 2023
What an amazing life to celebrate! Harold always carried a smile and a kind word. Condolences to the Fries family and God bless
Jack & Pam Milligan - Apr 3, 2023
Shelia, we are keeping you and your family in prayer. We didn’t have the honor of knowing your dad but can tell from all of the messages what a good man he was. May God hold you and your family close in the days ahead.
Carol Rykowski - Apr 3, 2023
We are so sorry for your loss. Mary and Harold have always been so kind when we visit Alex at the farm. Prayers for your family
Tony & Julie Quinones - Apr 3, 2023
Eternal rest grant onto him, oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen....
Lee Ann Lopez - Apr 3, 2023
I am so very sorry for your loss. May he rest in eternal peace of God’s loving arms Amen..
Kathy willismd - Apr 3, 2023
So sorry to hear about Harold. Played a lot of cards with him.
Donna Myers - Apr 3, 2023
To the Fries Family; My sincerest sympathy in the loss of Harold whose hallmark was his smile and kind words. We will all share in your loss.
Janet Hines - Apr 3, 2023
Mary and family. My sincerest sympathy for your loss. Harold was such a fun and kind person to be with. My prayers are with you all.
Jeri cleveland - Apr 3, 2023
Mary and family. Sorry for your lost. Harold was a great man ,remember all The dance we were at. The reunion you had at your house. Great memories . Love to all
Jeff and Marsha - Apr 3, 2023
We both know how difficult it is to say goodbye to a parent even if they are in a better place. You will continue to hold on to the memories which will be tears and smiles. Hold them in your heart and he will always be with you. Prayers and Blessings to your family. It has been a journey.
Susan Holmes Wiles Hellinger - Apr 3, 2023
Sheila, I’m so sorry to hear about your sweet dad. What a happy honorable life he led. You were certainly blessed with great parents who were loved and respected by their community. God’s peace to you and your family!
Trisha Buchanan - Apr 3, 2023
I was blessed to have known and been Harold's caretaker since 2020. My heart breaks for Mary and the family! Harold and Mary taught me how to play Rummy..many, many games Harold and I had played. Such a sweet man and so silly. He will be greatly missed! My prayers go out to the whole family through this difficult time.
Joe and Janene Reiderman - Apr 2, 2023
What a wonderful man Harold was! He was our postman for so many years. ALWAYS smiling 😊. Our sincerest sympathy goes out to Mary and all of their children. What a long life he had lived, and I am sure so many happy memories were made. May those memories help you during this difficult time. Praying for all of you.
