Gary F. Fries

Gary F. Fries, 75, of Monroeville passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, April 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

He was born July 6, 1950, in Norwalk to the late Clayton and Irene (Bauman) Fries. Gary was a 1968 graduate and athlete of St. Paul High School, Norwalk.

He began working at Norfolk & Western Railroad in Norwalk after graduation and continued to work there for over forty years, retiring in 2010 from Bellevue Norfolk Southern Railroad.

Gary was an avid sports fan, which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. His favorite teams were the Cleveland Indians, The Ohio State Buckeyes, and the Cleveland Browns (always hoping for a win).

He is survived by his wife of almost forty-five years, Theresa (Fitzgerald) Fries; his children, Chris (Chuck) Puder, Mandy Walkup, and Nikki (Matt) Balmer; his grandchildren, Mark, Schyler, Chloe, Raigan, and Azlin; brothers, Greg (Ruth) Fries and Dave (Debbie) Fries; and numerous nephews and nieces.

The family will receive friends from 9:00 am until time of the funeral mass at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 66 Chapel Street, Monroeville, Ohio 44847. Fr. Charles Obinwa will officiate. A private family burial will take place at a later date in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Monroeville. All are invited to the St. Joseph Social Hall following the mass for fellowship and to share memories of Gary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Erie County, 1911 Superior Street, Sandusky, Ohio 44870 or to St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Pfeil Funeral Home, Monroeville Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.

Condolences may be shared with the family at pfeilfuneralhome.com.

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