Thomas Fries, 1864-1934
FRIES, STEUBEN, CLARK, IHNAN, MORROW, TISCHER, LAMBERTUS
Posted By: Clay County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 1/8/2013 at 15:35:39
Death Takes Thos. Fries Sunday at the Age of 69
Greatly mourned in the Summit township community is Thomas Fries, 69, who died Sunday at the Spencer hospital where he had been a patient for one day. He had been in failing health for some time, being taken critically ill a week prior to his death. Complications, with a fatal heart attack, contributed to his death.
The many relatives and friends gathered at the Christian church in Spencer Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock to pay final tribute to a man who had in a quiet and sincere way, made a friend of all with whom he came in contact. Rev. Forrest L. Richeson, pastor, delivered the sermon, and also officiated at a family service at the Cobb funeral parlors at 1:30 o'clock.
Offer Musical Tribute
Requiem was given by a quartet composed of Mrs. Otto Schoorman, Mrs. Silas Klampe, Rev. C.H. Vandersall, and James Vandersall. With Mrs. Vandersall at the piano they sang "Rock of Ages," "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere," and "God Will Take Care of You." James Vandersall also presided at the piano to offer a prelude and postlude.
Those bearing the body to its last earthly resting place were John Wieben and George Mori of Everly, and John Sonius, Herman Jordan, Lester Ruby and L.H. Wiemais of Spencer. Interment was in the First Reformed church cemetery seven miles west of Fostoria.
A native of Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, Mr. Fries came to this country as a youth of 17. He was born September 9, 1864, the son of Peter Frederick and Marie Fries, and received baptism and confirmation in the German Lutheran church.
Clay Resident Since 1886
Upon his arrival here he located in Benton county, Iowa, where he lived for five years. The western part of Iowa attracted him, and in 1886 he came to Clay county. Here is marriage to Miss Anna Steuben of Everly took place in March, 1900. To this union 12 children were born, three dying in infancy.
Mr. Fries had been a conscientious and industrious farmer, spending the remainder of his life after location here in tilling the soil, the greater part of his residence here being spent on a place 12 miles northwest of Spencer. His many friends and neighbors testify to his kindness in regard to his family and friends. Mr. Fries had in many ways brought cheer in the community, and residents in turn were quickly attracted to his sunny and comfort-giving personality. A wide circle of friends mourn his departure.
Those Who Mourn
Besides his wife, Mrs. Fries, the following children survive: Mrs. George Clark of Everly, Mrs. Ben Ihnan of Harris, Mrs. Art Morrow of Spencer, and Marie, Dorothy, Leona, George, Thomas, Jr., and Frederick, at home. There are also five grandchildren. Two sisters and a brother preceded him in death.
Attending the last rites from away were Mr. and Mrs. John Tischer, Jr., of Austin, Minn., Mrs. John Lambertus of Holland, Minn., and Miss Margaret Tischer of Austin, Minn.
Source: Spencer News Herald, Spencer, Clay County, Iowa; June 15, 1934.
Interment in First Reformed Church cemetery
Clay Obituaries maintained by Kris Meyer.
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