Francis 'Fritz' Bries

FRANCIS R. "FRITZ" BRIES

Epworth

Francis R. "Fritz" Bries, 94, of Epworth, died Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2016, at 7:49 a.m. at Oak Crest Manor in Dyersville.

Friends and relatives of Fritz may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24, at Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, where a prayer service will be at 1:30 p.m. and a Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:30 p.m.

Services for Fritz will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Epworth, with the Rev. Michael Schueller presiding. Homilist will be the Rev. Aloysius Vorwald. Concelebrating will be the Rev. Marvin Bries. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Epworth.

Fritz was born May 26, 1922, in Luxemburg, Iowa, son of Peter and Clara (Moritz) Bries. He received his education at Holy Trinity School in Luxemburg. On Nov. 9, 1943, he was united in marriage to Marcella A. Tegeler at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Earlville. She preceded him in death on Oct. 20, 2012.

Fritz was employed at John Deere Dubuque Works until his retirement in 1983. He also was employed at St. Patrick's Parish in Epworth until 2014.

He enjoyed doing repairs and additions around his home. He also enjoyed camping with the motor home he rebuilt and fishing. He loved being "Santa's Helper" for 25 years.

He was a member of St. Patrick's Parish and its Altar and Rosary Society of Epworth, the Epworth and Placid Knights of Columbus-Council 7823, for which he served as trustee, deputy grand Knight and District Deputy Grand Knight for the state of Iowa. He was a member of the 4th Degree Dubourg Assembly No. 1573, for which he also held several offices; the UAW Local 94, the Sportsmen Club of Worthington, Dyersville and Cascade; and had served on St. Patrick's Cemetery Association.

He is survived by five sons, Dick (Mary) Bries of Farley, Dave (special friend Deb) Bries of Epworth, Fred (Elaine) Bries of Zwingle, Steve (Wanda) Bries of Epworth and Randy (Lois) Bries of Independence; two daughters, Rose (John) Schechtman of Manchester and Lynne (Don) McDermott of Epworth; 20 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Lu Overman of Dyersville, Bernice Holub of Prairieburg, Don (Cathy) Tegeler and Herb Tegeler, both of Dyersville, and Mary Jean (Henry) Westhoff of New Vienna.

He also is preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Sandra Bries, in infancy; two sisters, Regina Schlueter and Mary Dunkel; and four brothers, Clarence Bries, George Bries, Joe Bries and Eddie Bries; and eight brothers and sisters-in-law, Lucille Tegeler in infancy, Ray Tegeler, Leona Gudenkauf, Gib Tegeler, Tony Tegeler, Helen Kramer, Elmer Tegeler and Norma Platz.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

The family of Fritz would like to thank the entire staff of Oak Crest Manor for all the wonderful care given to him.