David F. Fry, age 57, of Dodgeville passed away suddenly at home on Thursday November 12, 2015.

He was born on November 17, 1957 in Richland Center to Francis Perry and Mary Lou (Noble) Fry.

David, a graduate of Iowa Grant High School in 1976, completed his bachelor’s degree from UW-Platteville in 1980. Immediately following this, he began his 34 year teaching career at Richland Center St. Mary’s School. He started the next phase of his career for the Dodgeville School District in 1983, where he worked until he retired in 2014. Not satisfied with his bachelor’s degree and knowing the importance of education, David went back to UW-Platteville and earned his Master’s Degree for teaching US History in 1989. David, a life-long educator and learner, enjoyed teaching every day and was willing to go above and beyond to help his students. He undertook several endeavors while teaching as well, ranging from coaching basketball to appearing as Darth Vader & Santa Claus for music concerts.

He first married Barbara Gleisner of Dodgeville in 1979 and together they had two children, Matthew and Dana Fry.

Later in life, David reconnected with former classmate, Marie Osterndorff, in the clearance aisle at the Platteville Wal-Mart. He then married Marie on July 13, 2002.

David enjoyed many things in life. He was an avid bowler and competed in tournaments around the state, including the National Bowling Tournament. Due to his avid interest in History and his family, David worked diligently to research and find connections for his Family Trees, an interest which he passed on to his children. He, much to his and other’s enjoyment, began a yearly tradition of decorating his home in Christmas lights and setting it to music. Perhaps most telling of his personality, David set aside a location for those who watched the Christmas lights to donate to the food pantry. Additionally, he loved to grow out his beard and hair each year so he could dress as Santa Claus for the Christmas Light Show at his home.

David is survived by his loving wife Marie; two children, Matthew (Danielle) Fry and Dana (Kiff James) Fry; four step-children, Jennifer (JR) Espinoza, Chris (Tandra) Fudge, Brandy (Bobby) Jones, and Jimmy (Alysha) Fudge; eight grandchildren, Jaxom and Ryder Fry, Bryce Munoz, Jackson, Grant, and Pierce Fudge, and Carter and Peyton Jones; brothers, Cedric Fry and Dan (Carol) Fry; his mother-in-law, Phyllis Zemlicka; brothers and sisters-in-law and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins, former students and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Mary Lou and father-In-Law Norman Zemlicka.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ in Dodgeville. Pastor Joylynn Graham will officiate with burial in East Side Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and again on Wednesday after 12:00 Noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Iowa County Food Pantry or the David Fry Scholarship Fund would be greatly appreciated.