Donald Rothe Fry Obituary (1930

On Thursday, July 19, 2018 Donald Rothe Fry, also affectionately known as Don, Dad, and Grandpa, was called home by our loving Heavenly Father, there to continue his eternal progression with loved ones who have gone before. He will be sorely missed… but, we know we will see his smiling face again. Don was born to William Berten and Emma Clara Rothe Fry on April 15, 1930 in Wichita, Kansas. He was the tenth of eleven children. In recent years he became determined to live longer than any of his siblings, which he did, passing way at age 88. Don joined the United States Navy in 1947. He served aboard the U.S.S. R.B. Anderson, the U.S.S. Quincy and the U.S.S. Macon, and later enjoyed Recruiting Duty. He was honorably discharged in 1956 with the rank of 1st class Petty Officer. He later served with Company C 1457th Engineer Battalion, Utah National Guard from January 1971 to January 1983 attaining rank of 1st Sergeant. It has been fun to hear him tell his stories of his military days. While in the Navy and stationed in San Diego, California he met Lillian Graham. They were married on December 23, 1951. They had one son and a daughter in Portsmouth, Virginia before moving to Provo in 1956 where they added 3 more sons to the family. Don, Lil and their 5 children were later sealed as an eternal family in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Don was a great family man, always spending time with his wife and children. There were games in the yard, games in the house, camping and fishing trips every summer, piggy back rides, summer vacations, and even left over cookies or some other treat in his lunch box when he came home from work every afternoon. There was also time to work together and teach his children. As his own children started leaving the nest he and Lil opened their hearts and home to foster children. Over the years they touched the lives of 6 foster children. Then came the grandchildren, and the great-grandchildren and the great-great-grandchildren whom he adored and spoiled as only an awesome grandpa could. He truly loved every one of them, and enjoyed every minute he could spend with them! Don was also a mechanic, plumber, builder, welder, painter, and fix-it man for anything that needed to be built or maintained around the house or with the vehicles. He also enjoyed wood working and gardening and other hobbies. If he didn’t know how to do something, he learned. He used his skills and talents to design and built a wonderful family cabin in the mountains near Fairview. There his family could enjoy special family times together, the beauties of nature, and the peace of being away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Don always provided well for his family. He worked for Provo City Department of Utilities from August 1956 until he retired in August 1987. While there he worked his way from a “blue collar” job to a “white collar” job serving as boiler operator, mechanic, maintenance foreman and Power Plant Manager. Don lived on Grandview Hill for 41 years. While there he served in the LDS church mostly in scouting and other youth programs building character and skill in the young men of the ward. He was a very good example and a caring leader to them. He also taught the youth in Sunday School and served two 6 month service missions, one at the St George Distribution Center and another at the Family History Center in Hurricane. After 44 years of marriage, his wife Lillian passed away leaving him very lonely. They had done just about everything together since his retirement. Later he met Lynn VanCleave in a Spanish class in Provo. They were married on April 25, 1997. They shared their senior years together until the time of his passing. Most of their 21 years together were spent in Hurricane, Utah. They lived there until he and Lynn both started needing extra care. At that time Lynn’s daughter, Debie Schelhorn, took them home to live with her and her good family in Caldwell, Idaho. They took great care of him and made his time there very peaceful and happy. He enjoyed reading many many books, especially history books and biographies among other things. He also enjoyed telling stories from his past and sharing what he had learned and experienced throughout his life. Don is preceded in death by his wife, Lillian; his oldest son, Michael Graham Fry, his youngest son, Jeffrey Alan Fry, and his granddaughter Brenda Kay Fry (Tom). He is survived by his “favorite daughter” Beverly Ann Fry Leydsman (Wayne); two sons Guy Thomas Fry (Stephanie) and Berten Lyle Fry (Teri) and a daughter-in-law Debby Fry (Mike). Through marriage to he leaves behind another very special daughter Debie Schelhorn (Shawn) and 2 more sons, Richard VanCleave (Karin) and Ron (Patty); and a total of 15 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. He loved them all and cherished time spent with each one. We will all miss his fun personality, his awesome stories, his smiling face, the light in his eyes, and his affectionate hugs… Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 26, 2018 in the Provo City Cemetery, 610 South State Street, Provo, Utah. Friends may call at the Berg Mortuary of Provo, 185 E Center Street, from 9:30-10:45 prior to services. Condolences may be expressed at www.bergmortuary.com.