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

Friends and relatives of Fritz may call from 2 to 8 p.m. on Monday, October 24, 2016 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 1:30 p.m. and a Knights of Columbus Rosary will be held at 7:30 p.m.

Services for Fritz will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Epworth, Iowa with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding. Homilist will be Rev. Aloysius Vorwald. Concelebrating will be Rev. Marvin Bries. Burial will be held in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Epworth, Iowa.

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 November 9, 1943 he was united in marriage to Marcella A. Tegeler at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Earlville, Iowa. She preceded him in death on October 20, 2012. Fritz was employed at the John Deere Dubuque Works until his retirement in 1983. He was also 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 & its Altar and Rosary Society of Epworth, IA, the Epworth & 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 #1573 for which he also held several offices; the UAW Local #94, the Sportsmen Club of Worthington, Dyersville and Cascade; he also served on St. Patrick's Cemetery Association.

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

He is also 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, 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.

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