William Thomas "Bill" Fries, age 74 of Vicksburg died Sunday March 26, 2017 at his home. He was born in Ft. Wayne, IN on June 21, 1942 the son of Thomas Adolph and Betty Marie (Brennen) Fries. The family moved to Southwest Michigan when he was very young and he attended schools here. Bill had worked at Clarage Fan Co. in Kalamazoo, Ronningen Research and Development in Vicksburg, The Fonda Group in Three Rivers, and retired from Stewart Sutherland Paper Company in Vicksburg. He enjoyed woodworking, and building and fixing computers for his family.

Bill was married to Geraldine R. Copenhafer on April 28, 1959 in Kalamazoo. She survives along with three daughters, Vicki Sue Sheren and Cindy Arnett Kellogg both of Schoolcraft and Sheri Marie "Bug" Rushmore (Daniel) of Kalamazoo; three grandchildren, Cassandra Lynn (Jeremy) Nash, Morgan Leigh Kellogg, and Mandy Lynn (Nick Burhans) Rushmore; six great-grandchildren, Carson Rylee James Nash, Raelynn Emma Leigh Nash, Bryson David Thomas Nash, Adriannah Lee Beacham, Taylor Ann Marie Beacham; and Mason Robert Burhans; three sisters, Sharon (James) Linnemeier of Ft. Wayne, Fay Lynn Fries and Donna Dean Blincoe both of Kalamazoo.

In keeping with his wishes, Bill was an organ donor and will improve the quality of life for others. Cremation has been conducted. Memorial donations may be directed to the family. Assistance was provided by the Eickhoff Funeral Home of Mendon. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com

A memorial potluck will be held Saturday, April 22, 2017 from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. at the Schrier Park indoor pavilion located at 850 W. Osterhout, Portage, MI 49024