FRED M.FRASER , of 806 East Sixth street passed away Monday [1018/1937] night, shortly before midnight. He had been in ailing health for about two years, and while he was quite ill during the past week or more his death came unexpectedly. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 p. m. at the late home. Burial will be in Riverside cemetery. Mr. Fraser was one of Sterling’s foremost musicians, being a trombone player of exceptional ability. He was also a well liked barber and was employed in various local shops for a period covering in the neighborhood of 25 years. He became affiliated with the old Keystone band in 1898, and moved to this city with his mother, Mrs. William P. Fraser, in 1899. With the exception of 10 years, between 1913 and 1923, when he and his wife resided in Cedar Rapids, he had spent all of his time in this city. In Cedar Rapids he played in a band under the direction of Prof. J. J. Schmitt, and also was a member of the El Kahir Temple Shrine band of 50 pieces in that city. He enlisted in the Sixth Illinois infantry and played with the band connected with that organization for nine years. He played with various local bands and was also called upon to play with bands in neighboring cities on special occasions. Music was not his only accomplishment as he was an expert rifle shot and won a great many medals and considerable recognition in this line. He was a fine man, of exemplary character and made and retained a very large circle of friends who will be sorry to learn of his passing. He was born on the old homestead southwest of Coleta on Nov. 30, 1869. His parents were Dr. and Mrs. William P. Fraser. He received his education in the Liberty rural school and the Coleta schools. He became an outstanding musician at an early age. He established a home for his mother here in 1899. In 1903 he was united in marriage with Miss Rose Giffrow of this city. Beside his wife he is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Jennie Franklin of Kansas City, Mo., and one sister, Mrs. Estella Wick of this city. Three brothers and two sisters preceded him in death. (The Sterling Daily Gazette, October 19, 1937, page 7, column 5) Fred M. Fraser of 906 East Sixth street passed away Monday night, Oct. 18, shortly before midnight. The funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at 2 p. m. at the late home. Rev. M. R. Bailey of Rockford, officiated. Burial was in Riverside cemetery. The casket bearers were his associates in both the barber and musical profession. They were Pete Kier, Herman J. Folkers, Harry Haug, Ray Hoffman, C. R. Fell and Chloe Morris. Mrs. Claude Lee, accompanied by Mrs. Don Chamness sang two hymns, ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus,’ and ‘Face to Face.’ The ladies in charge of the beautiful floral offerings were Mrs. Vera Kier, Mrs. Stella Ohare, Mrs. Mabel Landis and Mrs. Sadie Chamberlain. Mr. Fraser was born on the old homestead southwest of Coleta on Nov. 30, 1869. His parents were Dr. and Mrs. William P. Fraser, pioneer residents of this section. He was educated in the Liberty rural school and the Coleta schools. At an early age his ability as a musician was recognized and encouraged and he became in later years one of the foremost musicians of this city. He established a home for his mother in Sterling in 1899. In 1905 he was united in marriage with Miss Rose Giffrow of this city. His wife, one daughter, Mrs. Jennie Franklin of Kansas City, Mo., and one sister, Mrs. Estella Wick of this city survive. Three brothers and two sisters preceded him in death. He was a member of the famous Keystone band and various other bands and musical organizations, and with the exception of 10 years between 1913 and 1923, when he and his wife resided in Cedar Rapids, he spent all of his time in this city. In Cedar Rapids he played under the direction of Prof. J. J. Schmitt, and also was a member of the El Kahir Temple Shrine band of 50 pieces in that city. He was a member of the Sixth Illinois infantry band for nine years. His services as a musician were always in demand. He followed the barber trade for many years. Mr. Fraser was a fine rifle shot and won many medals and trophies as a marksman. Mr. Fraser was a man of high ideals and strong character. He was a member of the Seventh Day Adventists and was a firm believer in the doctrines of this religious denomination. He took a great deal of interest and comfort in his Bible. It was a source of help to him during the days of his illness. He had been ailing for about two years and on Oct. 3 of this year he entered the [line unreadable]. He remained there for a period of 10 days and then returned to his home here. He rapidly grew weaker until he passed away. He was unafraid of death and was willing and ready to go. His only regret was his departure from his beloved wife and daughter. His memory is a comfort to his loved ones in their hour of sorrow.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - (The Sterling Daily Gazette, October 26, 1937, page 3, column 5)

JOHN C. FRASER - Mrs. Albert Miller of this city received a sad message last evening that her brother, John C. Fraser of College View, Neb., passed away at 5:45 last evening, death being due to a serious epidemic prevailing throughout that section. John C. Fraser was well known in this section of the country where he spent the greater part of his life. He was a son of the late Dr. W. P. Fraser, and formerly lived in Genesee near Coleta. He was born in Genesee township on July 5, 1855 to Dr. and Mary Fraser. In 1875 he was united in marriage to Serena Linerode of Genesee. To this union four children were born, all of whom, with their mother, are left to mourn his death. The following are the children: Mrs. Ora Graham of New York City, Vern and Charles of Cedar Rapids, Floyd and Milford of Lincoln, Neb. Besides his children he leaves his aged mother, Mrs. Mary Fraser of this city, who is in her eighty-fourth year and the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Albert Miller and Mrs. L. A. Wick of this city, Mrs. M. C. Linerode of Coleta, Fred of Cedar Rapids, and Ren of Lincoln. He is the first of six children to answer the call to eternal peace. His many friends in this section will be grieved to hear of his death and extend their sympathies to the grief stricken family. No funeral arrangements have been made as yet, althougth it is expected that he will be buried at College View.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, March 14, 1916, page 1, column 3

MARY FREY , 80, Newton, Kan., formerly of Peoria, died Tuesday (August 14, 1984) morning in University Park Nursing Center, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Funeral sevices will be held on Friday morning at 10:30 a.m. at the Science Ridge Mennonite Church, with the Rev. David O. Bell, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Science Ridge Mennonite Cemetery, Sterling. Friends may call at the church on Friday morning from 9 a.m. till the hour of services. Arrangements were completed by the Allen Funeral Home, Sterling. A memorial has been establisihed. Mary Frey was born on Sept. 28, 1903 in Sterling, the daughter of John K. and Sarah Karnhaus Frey. She received her B.S. at Goshen College, Goshen, Inc.; M.P.S. at the University of Colorado, Boulder, Colo., and did her Post Masters Study at the University of Chicago, Chicago, and Columbia University, New York, N.Y. She was a Registered Professional Nurse and graduated from the Mennonite Hospital and Sanitarium School of Nursing, LaJunta, Colo. on Aug. 8, 1928. She was a former Director of Nursing at the Methodist Hospital in Peoria, a member of the Bradley University Community Chorus, Amateur Musical Club, Woman's Guild of Peoria Symphony Orchestra. She taught registered nurses along with her administrative jobs. She attended the Quadrennial Congress of the International Council of Nurses when it met in 1953 in Petropolis, Brazil, and in 1965 in Frankfort Am Main, Germany. Also she was a member of the American Nurses Association and the National League for Nursing, both state and local level of each; the Menninger Foundation; the American Association of University Women, state and local; and the National Association of Parliamentarians. She had been the first vice president of the Illinois Nurses Association; Chairman of the Administrator's Section; Chairman of the Cook County Administrator's Section; member of the Board of Directors; member of the Illinois League for Nursing, president of the Western Illinois League for Nursing, member of the Board of Directors of the New York State League for Nursing; president of the Virginia League for Nursing; president of the Tidewater League for Nursing; member of the Kansas State Nurses Association. chairman of the Program Committee for District 16, Kansas Division, American Association of University Women, Hays Branch and vice-chairman 1973-75. Frey was appointed to the Colorado State Board of Nurses Examiners by the Governor of Colorado for a five year term, the New York Cancer Committee, the Advisory Board of the Marquis Biographical Library Society of Chicago. She served as delegate to the Convention of the American National Red Cross in Detroit, Michigan. She served as Oral Examiner for the State of Illinois Civil Service Commision. She served on the Executive Committee of the Southern Regional Council of State Leagues for Nursing (13 States). She is listed in Who's Who of American Women. She was the author of articles in professional journals and newspaper articles and was currently engaged in research and writing. Surviving are one sister, Mrs. Orpha Jennings, Chicago.She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Anna, Sarah, and Martha; and four brothers, Aaron, John, Paul and Titus.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 15, 1984 - Wednesday, pg A4

EDWIN R. FRIDAY , 63, 1824 First Ave., Sterling, died (23 Sep 1984) Sunday morning in his home after a lengthy illness. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. at the Allen Funeral Home, Sterling, with the Rev. K. Dean Meyers, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Sterling, officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday evening. A memorial has been established to the Leukemia Foundation in his memory. Edwin Friday was born on April 22, 1921 in Davis Junction, the son of Edward R. and Mildred F. Murray Friday. He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II as a bomber pilot. On July 20, 1945 he was united in marriage to Dolores Gates in Romulus, Mich. After his military duty he was a general contractor for many years in the Sterling-Rock Falls area prior to his retirement. Surviving are his wife, Dolores; one daughter, Mrs. Gary (Nancy Jo) Lewison, Clearwater, Fla.; and one half-sister, Mrs. Edward (Annabelle) Labinski, Detroit, Mich. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Edward Friday and one half sister.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illiinois September 24, 1984 - Monday, pg A4

AMANDA (ZIEGLER-SIEGLER) FRY died Sunday morning about 6 o'clock at her home a mile and a half north of Emerson. She had been ill for the past year. The funeral will be held Tuesday at 11:30 o'clock at the late home and at 2:30 o'clock at St. John's Lutheran church. Rev. E.C. Harris officiating. Burial will be in Riverside. Beside her husband John Fry, she leaves the following children; Arthur, at home, Mrs. Nellie Scott, Mrs. Bessie Scott and Mrs. Maude Johnson of Galt.
Contributed by Jean Portner

ANN DETWEILER (WISMER) FRY , died Saturday evening (August 8, 1903) at the home of her daughter Miss Martha Fry on Third street, after an illness of only a few day. Ann Wismer was born October 26, 1831, near Philadelphia, Pa. She was married to Joseph Fry October 10, 1853. In 1853 they moved to the west and settled in this vicinity where they resided until the time of their deaths. Six children were born to them,John, Matilda, Emily, Martha, Josephine, and Henry, all of whom survive their parents except Josephine who died in infancy. The husband passed to the beyond thirteen years ago last June, since which time Mrs. Fry has made her home with her daughter Martha where she received the most tender care from her children in her decliningyears. Nineteen years ago under the ministry of Rev. T.W. Grafton of the Christian church she made a public confession of her faith in her Saviour although she had been a devout believer since childhood. Of her truly may be said. Her children rise up and call her blessed. The funeral will be held this afternoon at 3 o'clock at the Christian church in this city. The cortege moved at 2:30 o'clock from the residence on 3rd St. to the church, where a large company of sorrowing relatives and sympathizing friends had gathered to pay their last tribute of respect in the memory of the departe done. The Rev. W.E. Spicer, pastor of the Christian church, spoke words of comfort and cheer to the bereaved relatives and gave a glowing tribute to the life which had been lived with so much Christian grace and love and care for those about her. After the services the procession was formed again and moved slowly to the Riverside cemetery where the remains were laid to rest with great tnderness. Among those from away who attended the funeral were Henry Fry from Abingdon IL and a number of relatives from Malvern. Two daughters of Mrs. Fry were unable to be present on account of illness in their families. One lives in Canada and the other in Kansas.
Contributed by Jean Portner

ARTHUR SIGLER FRY , Route 3, Sterling, died early this morning at Colonial Acres Rest Home, Sterling, after an extended illness. The body was moved to the Melvin Funeral Home where friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Melvin Funeral Home, the Rev. David Fouts, pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Sterling will officiate and burial will be in the Walnut Cemetery at Walnut. Arthur S. Fry was born Sept. 26, 1884 in Jordan Township, the son of John R. and Amanda E. Sigler Fry. He farmed in Hopkins Township his entire life. His wife Hazel A. Fry, preceded Dec. 26, 1960. He was a member of Rock River Lodge No. 612, A.F. and A.M. Eastern Star, Sterling Lodge and the Galt Grange. Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. bessie Scott of Sterling and Mrs. Maude Boyd of Prophetstown.
Contributed by Jean Portner

HAZEL (BURTON) FRY , 63, Rt. 3, Sterling, passed away at 4 a.m. Monday while a patient in Illinois Research Hospital, Chicago, following an extended illness. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday at Melvin Funeral Home, Rev. Ridell Kelsey pastor of the First Methodist Church officiating, assisted by Rev. Shiffer, pastor-emeritus of Rock Falls Christian Church. Burial will be in Walnut Cemetery. Mrs. Fry was born April 26, 1897 in Yorktown, a daughter of the late John and Minnie Mathis Burton. Mrs. Fry, a resident of the area since 1917, was a member of the Sterling Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star of Illinois, and the First Methodist Church of Sterling and a member of the White Shrine of Jerusalem. Hazel A. Burton was united in marriage to Arthur S. Fry Feb. 18, 1924 in Sterling. She is survived by her husband and a sister, Mrs. Leonard (Mildred) Franks of Deer Grove.
Contributed by Jean Portner

JOHN ROSENBERGER FRY , 81, a resident of north of Emerson for approximately 36 years, passed away at his home Friday evening about 6:30 o'clock. Funeral rites will be held Monday afternoon at Wheelock's funeral home in Rock Falls at 2 o'clock, with Rev. James Q. Moore of LaHarpe, Ill., officiating. Interment will be in the Riverside cemetery. He was born Oct. 19, 1858 in Palmyra township, Lee county, son of Jacob and barbara Rosenburger Fry. He was wed to Amanda E. Sigler, who preceded him in death several years ago. Surviving are a son, Arthur Fry, at home, three daughters, Mrs. Nellie Scott of south of Galt, Mrs. Bessie Scott of Galt, and Mrs. Maude Boyd of Tampico, a sister, Mrs. Ellen Stewart of Dixon, a half sister, Mrs. Robert Drane of Sterling, and two half brothers, George Frye of Rock Falls and Uriah Frye of Phoenix, Ariz. He was also preceded in death by twin children.
Contributed by Jean Portner

JOHN SPRINGER FRY : The remains of John Fry were brought from Malvern last sunday and interred in the Jordan Lutheran Church burying grounds. Mr. Fry was years old and about 26 years ago owned the farm now owned by H.L. John and lived there for sevreal years.
Contributed by Jean Portner

JOHN W. FRY : Miss Martha Fry of this city is in receipt of word of the death of her brother, John W. Fry, formerly of this city, who passed away a week ago at his home in Kalispell, Mont. The funeral was held at that place and burial was in the Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Mr. Fry was born Oct. 14, 1855, in Montgomery County, Pa. At the ate of one year he was brought to this city by his parents. He grew to manhood here. August 13, 1886 he wsa united in marriage with Miss Laura O'Hare and the couple resided in Rock Falls until 1910 when they moved to Elmo Mont. In 1925 they retired from the marm and moved to Kalispell, where they have since resided. Besides his wife he is survived by three sons, Floyd H. Fry of Missoula Mont. Louis E. Fry of Kalispell, Mont., and John L. Fry of Cut Bank, Mont., and one daughter, Mrs. Matilda Stanley of San Diego Calif., also two sisters, Mrs. Matilda Bear of Nebraska, and Miss Fry of this city.
Contributed by Jean Portner

JOSEPH R. FRY : Death is always with us. Nearly everybody in town remembers to have seen Joseph Frey sitting on the corner of one of our main streets selling fish. Day before yesterday he was up town, and feeling ill he started home, and got home with difficulty. He seemed better soon after, and yesterday afternoon was taken with a severe spell, and at seven o'clock died from heart trouble and a rush of blood to the head. He was fifty-four years old and had been a citizen of this county for thirty-three years. During the war he was a member of Henshaw's Battery. The funeral will take place at his home on West 8th street, tomorrow, and burial will take place in the West Jordan cemetery. Mr Frey was a quiet, inoffensive citizen, and for years had been engaged in the fish business.

Another Notice:: Joseph Fry the man who has been seen for so long selling fish at the corner of 3rd street and First avenue, died yesterday afternoon, with a head trouble, after an illness of a few hours. He was about sixty years odld, and leaves a wife and two sons and two daughters. He was a member of the Christian church. Mr.Fry resided in Sterling for many years. He was a soldier in the late war, being a member of Henshaw's battery. The funeral will occur from his home on west 8th street on Friday.
Contributed by Jean Portner

MARTHA FRY , passed away Thursday at the Methodist Old peoples home in Chicago where she had resided since Sept. 26, 1943. The body arrived here this afternoon at 12:30, and was removed to the Woods funeral home where it may be viewed by friends. Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 at the funeral home, Rev. A.J. Tavenner, pastor of the Fourth Street Methodist church of which she was a member will officiate. Burial will be in Ricerside Cemetery. Miss Martha Fry was born April 16, 1861, in Jordan township, a daughter of Joseph R. and Ann D. Wismer Fry. She came to Sterling with her parents in the fall of 1862 and always resided here until going to the Methodist home. In 1903, she becme a chiropodist and practiced until 1939. She is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Emily Babcock of Ontario Canada, Mrs. O.S. Bare of Clearwater, Neb. and Miss Matilda Fry also of Nebraska. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Josephine and two brothers, John and Henry Fry.
Contributed by Jean Portner

NATHAN T. FRY , 50 of Thomson died Monday June 19, 2006 at his home. He was born on September 25, 1955 in Rock Island, IL the son of John T. and Betty (Foster) Fry. He served in the US Army as an MP from 1976-1982. He married Petra "Pete" Conrad May 23, 1980 in Sterling. Nathan was employed as a police officer having served the communities of Rock Falls, Fulton, Thomson and Savanna and also for the Illinois State Police Task Force. He was the owner and operator of E Z - Shade Tree Movers in Thomson and the Riverview Store and Tap in Thomson. He was an active member of Thomson Chamber of Commerce. He was an avid shotgun and archery deer hunter. Surviving is his wife, Petra; his daughters Morgan Fry and Jamie Fry both of Thomson; his mother Betty Fry of Sterling; his brothers Brian (Teresa) Fry of Andalusia, IL and Cameron (Andrea) Fry of Sterling; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father John T. Fry; his brother John Anthony Fry; his grandparents and a cousin Jeffrey Fry. Funeral services will be Friday June 23, 2006 at 10 AM in the McDonald Funeral Home 1002 12th Avenue in Rock Falls with the Reverend Ron Abbott officiating. Burial with militray rites will follow at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling.

TESSIE (PARKHURST) FRY , 97, of Prophets Riverview Center, formerly of Sterling, died Monday, Jan. 17, 2005 at the nursing home. Mrs. Fry was born Oct. 3, 1907 in Lyndon, the daughter of William and Josephine 9Poole) Parkhurst. She was a graduate of Lyndon High School and Browns' Business College. Sterling. She married Donald W. Fry on July 14, 1929, in Rock Falls. He died in 1969. Survivors include a daughter, Cheryl (Robert) Gipson of Port Byron; two stepgranchildren, three foster grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three sister, Hazel Funderburg, Ruth Spotts and Eva Vincent; and a brother, Cecil Parkhurst. Graveside service is a 2 p.m. Thursday at Riverside Cemetery, Prophetstown. There is no visitation.