Gordon Wayne Fry, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on Sunday, May 23, 2021 at the age of 88. He was born February 2, 1933 to Harry and Martha Fry in Crosby, ND.
Gordon grew up on a farm in Velva, ND. He enjoyed family time with his siblings, many cousins, and extended family. Growing up, Gordon enjoyed riding horses, working on the farm, and playing several sports in high school – he was the starting quarterback on the football team for 3 years, starting point guard on the basketball team for 3 years, as well as involved in track and baseball. He then attended Minot State, leaving during his junior year to volunteer for the draft, joining the Army. When his father passed away, he was honorably discharged to help his brother, Edson, run the family farm for their mother. He also returned to college at Minot State, graduating in 1958. A few years later, he became a teacher, which led him to Glendive, Montana. It was there that he met the love of his life, Janet, and they were married 12/31/1965. The following year they moved to Fargo/Moorhead where Gordon attended graduate school at NDSU. In 1967 they purchased a farm in Cyrus, MN where they started their family as well. In Slayton, MN, the Fry family purchased The Ridotto Inn, which they operated from 1978-1985. In 1985 they moved to Alexandria, MN, where Gordon worked in several positions at USPS, until retiring in 2004. Upon retirement, they moved to the twin cities area to be closer to their children (really, it was the grandchildren!). They also enjoyed attending Amway business meetings, where they found an additional network of friends, and appreciated the opportunity to encourage, help, and empower young people.
Gordon loved being outdoors and caring for his cows and horses, and other aspects of farming. Throughout his life he enjoyed a variety of hobbies including golf, fishing, hunting, watching sports (although his favorite teams were always the Velva HS and NDSU Bison football teams!), playing cards and games (he almost always won!), dancing, boxing, skiing, and riding horses. His passion, however, was loving and serving people and this great country. If you ever met him, he remembered you! His unconditional love for people was felt by everyone he encountered. He always had a handshake or hug, a kind word and a smile, and a listening ear. He had a desire and gifting to help young people discover their God-given seeds of greatness, and help everyone around him develop in maturity and responsibility. Gordon was a patriotic, humble, joyful, fun-loving, honorable, brave, hilarious, calm, servant-hearted, kind, caring, encouraging man. He loved God and his family and friends with his whole heart and soul. He will be dearly missed.
Reunited in Heaven with: Parents, Harry and Martha; sister, Jean Nelson; brothers, Harry, Edson, and Don Fry; Nephews, Steven Nelson and David Torrey; and many other relatives and close friends.
Survived by: Devoted wife, Janet; children, Mick (Gretta) Fry of Stillwater, MN, Carrie (James) Provis of Brooklyn Park, MN, and Roxane (Jay) Atwood of Parker, CO; grandchildren, Madison Fry, Kai Greenberg, Miah and Jackson Atwood, and Samantha and Ethan Provis; sister, Virginia (Neal) Feist, Velva, ND; 29 precious nieces and nephews, and countless cousins, extended family and dear friends.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 1:00 PM, with visitation one hour prior, at Living Word Christian Center in Brooklyn Park, MN. Dessert Reception will follow from 2-4 pm. All are welcome! Private interment will be held at a later date.
Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home. 763-497-5362. www.thepetersonchapel.com.
