Wallace "Wally" Gordon Fryer

Maple City- Wallace G. “Wally” Fryer, 86, of Maple City left this world to join the love of his life in Heaven on Friday, September 30, 2016, his bride of 65 years, Betty Ann. He was surrounded by their loving children as he took this journey. Wally was born on April 14, 1930 in Detroit, MI to the late Donald A. and Dorothy L. (Roll) Fryer. On October 15, 1950 he met the woman he would spend the rest of his life with, and married Betty Ann Beck on December 29, 1950. They were blessed with four wonderful children; Ernie, Kathy, Steve and Chip. Wally was a proud member of the Wyandot of Anderdon Nation. His native name given to him was Gizwaa, “Spotted Eagle”. He was honored to be the Keeper of the Pipe and an annual participant, of the Wyandot Green Corn Fest. He was a LCPL in the US Army, actively serving in the Korean War 1951-1953 and was awarded several medals and ribbons. First and always foremost, for Wally was his love and dedication for his wife of 65 years. Anyone who knew him, knew this. His care for her became his mission in life and despite his own health issues, from time to time, her needs were always first. His love and dedication to his wife were his legacy to his children and grandchildren. He took great pride in his children and their accomplishments and during the later years in his life he enjoyed the time he spent with each of them. His special highlights were Saturday mornings with his eldest son Ernie, hitting the local breakfast spots, driving around the county and certain (sometimes heated) topics of debate across the table with a cup of coffee. He shared many special moments with his daughter Kathy, co-entrusting her with the care of his bride in her later years. His son Steve returned home during Wally’s final months to be his primary caregiver and quickly resumed his Cribbage rival, often having nightly matches. His youngest son Chip, who was named after him, was a special gift, a later in life baby, who became his college graduate. This was something Wally was so very proud of, and even though he didn’t boast, he did brag from time to time. He loved his children in different ways and in so many ways. Wally was a quiet man but his words spoke loudly. A man of high morals and ethics; his word was as bonding as any legal contract could be. He believed in a hand shake and a man’s word. He was a friend to many and believed in you before you could believe in yourself, often building the confidence you needed. A quiet man, but so powerful in his ability to give you what you needed to succeed. He took so much joy in watching others accomplish their goals and absolutely no credit in his role in that success. He loved flying and never turned down an opportunity to do so. At the age of 86, Wally fulfilled a lifelong dream and went skydiving for the first time. He loved a good game of Cribbage and a competitive game of Euchre. You knew he had a point by the way he slammed his fist on the table with the last card. He loved fishing. It didn’t matter if you caught anything or not, it was more the time on the lake and being with those he loved. He didn’t like large groups of people, but thoroughly enjoyed summer BBQ’s with his family. He especially enjoyed the innocence of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His smile, dedication to his wife, dry sense of humor and love of his family, will truly be missed. Surviving Wally are his children, Ernie (Beth), Kathy, Steve, Wallace “Chip” (Melissa); 10 wonderful grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren; sister Janet Berschback of Gaylord, and many other loving family members and friends. Wally was preceded in death by his wife Betty; his parents, Donald and Dorothy Fryer; siblings, Donald A. Jr., Veronica (Keith) Phillips, and Kenneth Fryer; and great granddaughter, Cheyenne Fryer. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 from 5pm until 8pm at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City. Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 also at the funeral home at 11am with a visitation beginning at 10am. A luncheon will follow at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Private internment services will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to Wings of Wonder. Kindly share thoughts and memories with Wally’s family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Wallace "Wally" Gordon Fryer

April 14, 1930 - September 30, 2016