Mary Lou Fries

Mary Lou Fries (nee Carolan) of Cedarburg, age 74, passed away peacefully at Horizon Inpatient Hospice in Mequon on July 24, 2012 surrounded by her loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born April 21, 1938 in Sheboygan, the daughter of Michael and Jenny Carolan. She attended Jefferson Elementary School. Mary Lou started to sing in a trio while in 6th grade with Lois Jean and Nancy Lee. During high school, she was involved in music - singing, accompanying and even directing a high school madrigal that went to state. Mary Lou graduated from Central High School in Sheboygan in 1956. On January 11, 1958 she was united in marriage with Lyle Fries at St. John's Evangelical and Reformed Church in Sheboygan. They moved to Cedarburg where she worked at Cedarburg State Bank until 1962. She was a great homemaker and took good care of her family. She dearly loved her husband, children and grandchildren. Mary Lou was surrounded by the love of her friends and relatives, and lived a life filled with love, family, faith, happiness and fun. Mary Lou was a Girl Scout leader, a member of the Silver Belles for 16 years as well as The Razzle Dazzle Chix, and served as a direct...[more]

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of the Golden Tones for 9 years. She liked making seasonal cookies and decorating the house for holidays. She enjoyed sports, games, entertaining relatives and friends, baking cookies and making meals, and sent hundreds of cards to others. She liked to roller skate, ice skate, bowl, golf and play tennis, ping pong and monopoly. Mary Lou and Lyle enjoyed playing sheepshead, watching Brewers games and high school March Madness basketball games. Music was dear to Mary Lou's heart. She taught herself to play the piano and then gave piano lessons for 9 years. Mary Lou accompanied high school solo and ensemble students and played piano for the McClellands shows of Fiddler on the Roof, The Sound of Music, and a Christmas show. As an active member of the Ozaukee Chorus, Mary Lou sang, played piano and served as president. Mary Lou loved being the organist at Pilgrim United Church of Christ for 24 years and the choir director for 30 years. Mary Lou is survived by her husband of 54 years, Lyle and three children: Laurie Fries of Oconto Falls, Mark (Debbra) Fries of Cedarburg and Rick Fries of Cedar Grove. She is further survived by grandchildren Cody , Amber, Jessica and Jacob Fries, sister Isabel (Edward) Wegner of Plymouth, sisters-in-law Dottie Carolan of Sun Prairie and Betty Kehl of East Troy, beloved cat Muffy, nieces, nephews, best friends Nancy Lee Kandler and Lois Jean Castle, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Michael and Jenny Carolan, brother Andrew Carolan, infant sister Evelyn, and niece Nadene Wegner. Funeral Services will take place at 7PM on Friday, July 27, 2012 at Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 1621 2nd Ave. in Grafton. Pastor Franz Rigert will officiate. The family will receive visitors at the church on Friday from 4-7PM. Mary Lou will be laid to rest at Immanuel Cemetery in Cedarburg. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society, Horizon Hospice or Pilgrim UCC music Fund. The Eernisse Funeral Home, Cedarburg is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com . Mary Lou's family wants to give special thanks to Dr. Nand and the Oncology Department St. Mary's, Ozaukee Campus as well as the entire Horizon Hospice staff for their loving care during her illness.