Charlie Fry

Rev. Charles H. Fry, Jr. better known to most as Charlie, age 95, formerly of Marshalltown, passed away on Thursday, May 2nd, at UnityPoint Trinity Medical Center in Rock Island, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, May 9th, at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. Visitation will be one hour prior. He will be laid to rest in the Rock Island National Cemetery in a graveside service at noon on Friday, May 10th. The procession will gather at the Milan Christian Community Church, 3215 West 4th, in Milan, IL, by 11:15 a.m. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com.

Born on March 15th, 1929, in St. Louis, MO, he was the son of Charles H. and Naomi E. (Miller) Fry, Sr. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in St. Louis and later devoted his life to receiving the teachings of Christ. He attended Bethany College for one year, Culver-Stockton College for three and Drake University Seminary. From 1951 until 1953, he served our country honorably in the United States Army.

Matthew 28:19-20 says this: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This is exactly what Charlie did. A lifelong journey of ministry that led him to pulpits in Kellogg, Carlisle, Davenport, Bethel Grove (Liscomb), Garwin, Whitten, Eldora, and Harlingen, TX, and others he served interim around Iowa. For 23 years, he served as volunteer coordinator at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. He also served as clergy for the American Legion.

Charlie was united in marriage twice. He was blessed with families from each one. Three years ago, he moved from Marshalltown to Milan, IL, to reside with his daughter and son-in-law.

Left to cherish his memory from his first marriage are his daughters Julie A. Jones of Las Vegas, Vickie (Rick) Stoneking of Milan, IL, and grandson Ryan Jones of Colorado. He was blessed with step children from his second marriage, Mark (Sandy) Goodman of Liscomb, Connie Day & Gil of Colorado, Cindy (Mark) Lynch of Grundy Center, grandchildren Amy (Ben) Haines of Hinkley, Joel (Jenny) Goodman of Liscomb, Justin (Kim) Lynch of Grundy Center, Michael Lynch of Des Moines, Julie (Jeremy) Loeing of Pella, and many great grandchildren who he dearly loved, as well as many friends and parishioners that remember him well.

He rejoined his parents and sister, Caroline E (Roy) Spear, first wife Norma, nephews Roy and Bob Spear and granddaughter Chandra Day at the gates of heaven.