David Conrad Fries

My husband David passed away peacefully on October 16th, 2026, at 4:00am. 14 hours earlier he woke from a deep sleep in his hospital room and said quite loudly to pull the plug and take those needles out. “I want to go to heaven.” So he met his Lord and Savior as he wanted. 

David was born in Racine, WI, on April 14, 1953, to Edward and Margaret (Young) Fries. He was the youngest of 4 children in his family. 

He grew up in Union Grove, WI, and his childhood was wonderful with loving parents and good friends. During those years he learned to play golf, shoot pool, play chess, and love the Packers. He was very good at pool and chess; and like every golfer, was always looking to improve his swing, find a better club, try a new stance, and get even better golf balls. 

During these younger years he developed a strong work ethic that both of his parents had. David worked many jobs in his teen years. Later in life he would tell me that he was grateful for the experience he gained.  

After graduating Union Grove High School and UW– Oshkosh. David started his career in radio by selling radio advertising. He loved the job! Later he went into management but still made time to maintain his long-standing accounts. After 43 years he retired from Midwest Communications but still worked a few days a week with his established accounts until one week before he died.  

We met through mutual friends. David told me later that he knew immediately Deb Bleich would be his future wife. We were married 3 years later in his favorite city, Charleston, SC. The years that followed were filled with many laughs, travels, friends and wonderful neighbors. Our marriage was blessed by the Lord. He even surprised me one day by saying he wanted to take instructions and be confirmed in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.  The Holy Spirit was definitely involved in this decision. Together we joined Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Appleton, WI.  

David is survived by his wife of 28 years, Deb; brother Bob Loesch-Fries (Sue) East Lafayette, IN; sister-in-law Susan Cavanaugh Oshkosh, WI; nephew Gregory Cavanaugh (Rosalyn) Palmdale, CA, and their children, Jacob and Pierce (Ashley) and their children, Raelynn and Mason. He is further survived by more nephews, nieces, cousins and his dearly loved Yorkie, Rudie, who will miss him greatly.  

David was preceded in death by his parents and my parents, Clarence and Marion Allen, sister Jill, brother John, brother-in-law Dennis Cavanaugh, nephew Jeffrey Cavanaugh. 

A visitation and memorial service will take place on October 27, 2026, at Good Shepherd Lutheran, 2220 East College Avenue. The visitation will be held from 9:30am-11:00am with the memorial service beginning at 11:00am. 

I would like to thank ThedaCare at Home, for all the help they gave me while caring for David in his last days. A special thank you to Bruce, Susie, Paula, and Yvonne.

In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established in David’s name.