Richard L. Fryer

Dick was born August 21, 1928 in Waseca MN while his parents, Leona and George Fryer, were on a fishing trip, starting a love of fishing that continued all his life.He passed away June 17, 2016 in Rochester, MN. A Celebration of Life will be held at Zumbro Lutheran Church, Tuesday, June 21st, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.A visitation will be held at Ranfranz Funeral Home on Monday, 6/20/16, 5-7 p.m. and 1 prior to the service Tuesday at the church. As a young boy, Dick could often be seen with a fishing pole over the handlebars of his bike, heading to Mayowood Dam to fish for walleyes.He graduated from Rochester High School in 1946 and Rochester Community College in 1948.His RHS Class of 46 is very close-knit group who continues to meet once a month for coffee and are currently planning their 70th Class Reunion.He was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War and served in Germany, attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class. In 1956 he began his career with IBM and retired after 28 years.In July 1957 he married Marilyn Piper in Marshalltown Iowa.He is survived by their three children, Rebecca (Ron) Nystuen of Lakeville MN, Christopher (Kelly) of Plymouth MN and Jonathan of Rochester, MN.Dick is also survived by six grandchildren, of whom he was incredibly proud: Paul (25), Leah (23) and Katherine (19) Nystuen; Caitlin (22), Dan (21) and Sam (19) Fryer. Dick loved all sports but especially enjoyed fishing over the years with many great friends, and in his later years loved fishing with his son Chris in the Mississippi and Rum Rivers.Dick and Marilyn also enjoyed a home in NW Wisconsin near Hayward for many years. Dick was an active volunteer all his life, recently being awarded, along with wife Marilyn, the Mayors Medal of Honor for their work in service to those with Disabilities.They were part of a group of parents who started Olmsted ARC Homes (now Bear Creek Services) for adults with Developmental Disabilities, which opened in 1976.Dick served on the Bear Creek Board of Directors, as does Marilyn, and they were both honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the recent Bear Creek Services 40th Anniversary Celebration. Dick was preceded in death by his parents and twin sons. Memorials suggested include Bear Creek Services, PossAbilities, SEMN Arc and Zumbro Lutheran Church.