Ralph Fryer

Ralph Fryer, 83, of Freeport, passed away peacefully Sunday January 4, 2015 at Freeport Rehabilitation Center following a courageous battle with lung cancer. Ralph was born March 6, 1931 in Buena Vista, Illinois, the son of Marvin and Esther (Kortman) Fryer. He attended school in Buena Vista until being called to serve our country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He learned his skill as a mechanic while stationed in Alaska. Ralph worked at the Stephenson County Highway Department and retired as a Foreman in 1993 after 45 years with the County. Ralph spent most of his free time in Retirement, mastering his skill as an Engine Builder. He was very active throughout his life in the hobby and business of Stock Car Racing, as a Nascar fan, Late Model Dirt Track Car Owner, and highly regarded Engine Builder. Ralph lost the love of his life, his wife Harriet (Sigafus) Fryer in 2013 after 60 years of marriage. Their marriage remains an inspiration for their family. He and Harriet were married on Valentine's Day in 1953 in Freeport. The two of them enjoyed many trips to Daytona Beach, Florida during race week and traveled miles to dirt tracks around the Midwest. Ralph was a member of the Freeport Eagles Club #679 and the Moose Lodge. Ralph was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Ralph is survived by his children; Robert (Gena) Fryer, Vicky (David) Scovel and Penny (Gary) Borneman all of Freeport, his adoring grandchildren, Mike Fryer, Cathy (Andrew) Schopf all of Freeport, Adam Scovel of Lemont, Eric (Ekeama) Goddard-Scovel of Lafayette, IN, Nikki (Dan) Schreiber of Galena, Amanda (Kyle) Elliott of Robbinsdale, MN, Cassandra (Ender) Gocmen of Zumbrota, MN. Also surviving are two beautiful grandchildren, Kora Klever and Carter Schopf. Ralph is also survived by his brothers, Donald Fryer, Frank Fryer and Gale (Mary) Fryer all of Freeport and Steven (Teresa) Fryer of Lena, who he shared his love of racing and Chevrolets with. He is further survived by his sisters-in-law, Helen Fox, Veva Manthei, Norma Sigafus, Charlene Sigafus, Paula Sigafus and brothers-in-law, Gary Meier, John Sigafus, and Bud Williams. Also many nieces and nephews and large extended family to important to omit. Ralph was preceded in death by his mother and father, his loving wife, Harriet; sisters, Kathryn Fryer and Doris Fisher; brother-in-laws, Mike (Jenny) Sigafus, Charlie (Charlene) Sigafus, Richard (Carol) Sigafus, Gordon (Norma) Sigafus, Earl (Paula) Sigafus, Lyle (Violet) Hammer, Paul (Dolly) Siemens, Robert (Veva) Manthei; sisters-in-law, Gayle (Don) Fryer, Sandy (Frank) Fryer, Violet (Lyle) Hammer, Jenny (Mike) Sigafus, Carol (Dick) Sigafus, Dolly (Paul) Siemens, Eleanor (Bud) Williams, and Carol (Gary) Meier. Ralph's family would like to extend thanks to FHN Hospice nurses and staff and the nursing staff at Freeport Rehabilitation Center who helped care for Ralph in the recent weeks. Your love and support were greatly appreciated. Ralph will be greatly missed by his family, friends and fellow racers. Please help us honor Ralph by joining in the processional parade after the service with your favorite car, as we take Ralph on his final drive past some of his special places in Freeport on the way to his final resting place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home. Visitation will be Thursday 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. also at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home. A memorial has been established in Ralph's memory. Please sign the guestbook and share a memory at www.burketubbs.com.