Funeral service for Thomas "Tom" Fries of Emmetsburg was held Tuesday, Sept. 20, at the First United Methodist Church in Emmetsburg. The Rev. Lana Williams officiated.
Interment was in the Fenton Methodist Cemetery in Fenton. The Martin-Mattice Funeral Home in Emmetsburg was in charge of arrangements.
Thomas Arnold Fries, son of Thomas and Imogene (Nissen) Fries, was born July 8, 1951 in Estherville. He received his education in Graettinger.
On Aug. 8, 1968 Tom enlisted in the United States Army and did his basic training in Ft. Lewis, WA. He completed Gunnery School and Helicopter Mechanics at Ft. Rucker, AL. In May 1969 Tom was stationed in Korea before volunteering to serve in Vietnam in November 1969. He spent six months in Germany before returning to Vietnam for a second tour in August 1971. Tom was honorably discharged on May 20, 1974. He received 16 Air Medals, two Distinguished Flying Crosses for rescuing downed crews, the Valor Medal, the Airman’s Crew Badge, Gallantry Cross and the Army Commendation Medal.
While on leave in 1972, Tom was united in marriage to Fern Laabs in Graettinger. They were blessed with three children. Tom worked at Mobile Concrete in Estherville before becoming a mechanic at Ken Krause Motors in Emmetsburg where he remained for 17 years. Tom finished his working years at Johnston Auto Stores in Spencer.
Tom was a member of the Graettinger American Legion for many years and past member of the V.F.W. Post #2295 in Emmetsburg.
Tom loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and hiking (going for a walk). When he was younger he enjoyed playing golf. He always teased one of the Methodist ministers by saying, “I’m closer to God in my tree stand, than in the church.” And this particular minister always agreed with Tom.
Tom passed away Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022 at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City, at the age of 71. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Ilene and Don Sidles; and brother-in-law, Bernie Laabs.
He is survived by his wife, Fern “Babydoll” of Emmetsburg; his children, Stacy Fries of Brandon, SD, Travis (fiancé, Jessica) Fries of Emmetsburg, and Amy Fries of Mallard; nine grandbabies, Jaymie, Chey-anne, Tattum, Ocean, Archer, Tina, Tanner, Marshall and Somer; two great grandbabies, Maddison and Ella; a brother, Mike (Delanna) Fries of Idaho; sisters, Nancy (Jim) Burke of Hartley, and Lois (Ron) Dreblow-Campopiano of Milwaukee, WI; special nieces and nephews; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Condolences can be left at
www.martinmattice
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