Paul Eugene Fry

Paul Eugene Fry, age 101 passed away peacefully at Winn Prairie in Freeport on June 11, 2024.

Paul was born on October 4, 1922, in Kalona, Iowa to Genevieve (Buck) and Dr. John Lewis Fry. After graduating from Kalona High School, Paul attended Washington Junior College in Washington, IA and Sherwood Music School in Chicago. Paul then served in the Army during World War II, and was stationed in Alaska. After his discharge in 1946 Paul attended Loras College in Dubuque. Upon graduation he entered the seminary at Catholic University in Washington, DC.

After completing the seminary, Paul went on a European trip where, through a mutual friend he met the von Trapp Family. He remained lifelong friends with Maria von Trapp.

Paul served in the priesthood for 15 years in the Rockford Diocese. His most fulfilling position during this time was as administrator at St Vincent’s Orphanage in Freeport.

In 1966 Paul returned to Catholic University and received his master's in social work. After graduating, he undertook a social work career in Washington, DC until his retirement in 1983.

During retirement, Paul devoted his time to volunteering with the elderly population, individuals who were unhoused and homeless, as well as individuals who suffered with AIDS. As one friend so aptly said “Paul's compassion for the suffering and forgotten was an inspiration.”

In 2005 Paul moved to Cedarville, and refurbished an historic home where he loved entertaining family and friends. He moved to Winn Prairie in 2017.

Paul was an accomplished musician playing both the bassoon and harp. He was also an avid reader of history and biographies, and loved his role as “self-appointed family historian.” As a child he absorbed family stories from his Aunt Mary Fry as well as his Grandma Buck. He considered them invaluable mentors who taught him the importance of family.

In 1990 Paul published a book about his Aunt Mary entitled “A Generous Spirit". It was a history of Mary, the Fry family in Cedarville as well as Jane Addams' family. Mary lived with the Addams family for much of her life, oversaw the household and worked as Mrs. Addams’ companion and caregiver. She provided invaluable service to the family over her lifetime. Through his Aunt, Paul came to know the Addams family well and at age 12 was a pallbearer at Jane Addams’ funeral.

In 2012 Paul also published a history of St Joseph Parish in Freeport, “The Story of a Parish.”

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Jack Fry, Bill Fry, Ed Fry, Jean Joyce and Carolyn Levy. He is survived by 13 nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly and often proclaimed that each was his favorite, 24 great nieces and nephews as well as many close and devoted friends from his days in Washington, DC as well as Illinois.

Paul's family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Winn Prairie for the love they showed Paul, giving him the care he needed while allowing him the independence he so greatly desired.

There will be a graveside service for Paul on July 13, 1:00 pm at the Cedarville Cemetery (W Red Oak Rd, Cedarville.) This will be followed by a celebration of Paul's life at his favorite restaurant, The Muse on Cedar Creek (395 N Cedarville Rd, Cedarville) from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. The celebration will be relaxed and informal and all are invited to come and share stories and memories with family and friends.

Along with family and history, equity and fairness were important to Paul. He greatly admired Jane Addams and his respect for her work guided his life. If you wish to make a memorial donation, please consider a social justice organization that is important to you or the Cedarville Historical Society. Donations may be sent to https://cedarvilleareahistoricalsociety.org or 1212 S Stewart Ave, Freeport, IL 61032