Ronald G. Fries

Ronald Fries, age 82, of Waukesha, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 14, 2016. He was the beloved husband of Conny for 58 years. Ron was born May 13, 1933 in Crookston, MN the son of Joseph and Fern (nee Capistran) Fries. Ron graduated from Cathedral High School in 1951. On February 17, 1953 Ron joined the United States Air Force serving in Guam, Philippines and Hawaii. He attained the rank of staff sergeant and crew chief on a B-36 Bomber stationed at Biggs Air Force base in El Paso, TX. Following his honorable discharge on February 16, 1957, Ron moved to Chicago, IL. On February 15, 1958 he was united in marriage to his best friend Conny Sullivan, who also was from Crookston. Two children were born of the marriage Ronald Todd and Tracy Elizabeth. As a hobby Ron and Conny were into old cars first owning a 1951 Mercury Coupe and then a 1954 Chevrolet Convertible. They were members of the Waukesha Old Car Club, the Brewtown Cruisers and the Mid-Century Car Club. Ron worked for 27 years in the health care field with two Johnson & Johnson companies, eventually becoming a regional manager. Ron and Conny were avid travelers and loved visiting places, never leaving until they were able to see all the area had to offer.
He will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife and best friend, Conny, son Todd (Kathi) Fries, daughter Tracy (Dave) Thompson, grandchildren Caleb Fries, Hannah (Nick) Custer, Samuel, Caroline and Natalie Thompson, sisters, Dolly Welch, Val Ruwwe and Linda (George) Deckon and brothers, Greg (Georgine) Fries and Jim (Mary) Fries. He is further survived by his sisters-in-law, Marylee Fries, Betty Thompson, Charlotte Sullivan along with many special nieces and nephews and special friends. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, brother Joseph, sister Eileen (Earl) Wilkens, brothers-in-law Bill and Bob Sullivan and Vern Ruwwe, and nephew Bart Thompson.
In accordance with Ron’s wishes, a memorial service will be held this summer. Interment with full military honors will be at Prairie Home Cemetery in Waukesha. Memorials in Ron’s name are appreciated to AngelsGrace Hospice, N74 W35908 Servants’ Way, Oconomowoc, WI 53066 or to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 818 N. East Ave., Waukesha, WI 53186.
Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, Crematory and Preplanning