Ronald A. Fries

Ronald A. Fries, age 75, of Hastings died February 19, 2009 at the VAMC in Minneapolis.Ronald was born August 25, 1933 in Green Isle, MN to Edward F. and Elsie M. (Wolter) Fries. He attended Minneapolis South High School and the Dunwoody Institute. He entered the Marine Corps, serving in Korea and had received a Purple Heart. Ronald was a member of the First Marine Division Association, the VFW, American Legion, the NRA, and the National Wildlife Association. He married Marilyn M. (Zummach) on January 2, 1953 in Minneapolis and she preceded him on July 18, 1996. He was also preceded in death by both of his parents. He married Joyce (Growt) on October 3, 1998.Ronald is survived by his wife Joyce; daughter Cheryl (John) Duffy of Hastings; sons Greg (Cindy) Fries of Apple Valley and David Fries of Prescott; 8 grandchildren, Darin, David, Dustin, Drew, Danielle, Daniel, Michael, and Christine; also 2 great-grandchildren: Madison and Jenna; 2 step-daughters: Cheryl Holz and Denise Holz; 4 step-grandchildren: Jason, Joshua, Jenny, and Benjamin Holz; 2 step-great-grandchildren: Abby and Adam Holz; 2 brothers Wayne (Carol) Fries and Gary Fries; and sister Diane Carlson. The memorial service, officiated by Rev. Bryan Olson will be held at the Cottage Grove United Church of Christ, 7008 Lamar Ave. South in Cottage Grove on Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 11am. The honorary pallbearers are Gary Olson, Maynard Edson, Fred Robinette, and Lloyd Lindstedt.