Jack Fridley (1936-2021)

FRIDLEY, STORBECK, FITZPATRICK, KENNEY

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 7/25/2021 at 20:13:32

Jack Junior Fridley, 85, of Strawberry Point, Iowa, passed away on Friday, July 23, 2021, at his home in Strawberry Point, Iowa. He was born to Ernest and Celia (Storbeck) Fridley on February 10, 1936 in Iowa City. He attended grade school and high school in Strawberry Point, where he graduated in 1954. Jack attended various colleges and universities and in 1955 he enlisted in the United States Army. He married Patricia I. Fitzpatrick in 1955. Together they spent the next two years stationed in Germany.

In 1958 Jack and Patty moved to Cedar Rapids, where they both worked until Jack was able to go back to school. He graduated from Coe College in 1962 and taught school in western Iowa for the next two years. In 1964 Jack and Patty returned to Strawberry Point where Jack taught in the Starmont School District. Jack received his Master Degree in secondary education from Western New Mexico University in 1972.

Jack and Patty began their family in 1963, with the adoption of their first son Mark. A year later they adopted twins, Michelle and Michael. They continued to live in Strawberry Point where he and Patty were involved with various civic duties while working and raising their family. In 1994 Patty underwent an organ transplant that was not successful and she passed away shortly thereafter.

Down the road Jack began a life with Annes Kenney. Traveling and doing crafts were only some of the activities that they enjoyed together. They shared an every day ritual of having their coffee with friends.

Jack enjoyed his teaching and being with young people. He taught for 30 years and retired in 1995. He also took pleasure in being an amateur radio operator and talking to people all over the world. In 1992 he learned the trade of shoe repair and setup a shop in his home. Some of Jack’s other hobbies included wood carving and playing golf.

Survivors include Jack’s two sons, Mark Fridley of Clear Lake and Mike Fridley of Strawberry Point; and his daughter, Shelly (Don) Kleinlein of Strawberry Point; five grandchildren Steven (Nikki) Vaske, Heather Vaske, Nathan Kleinlein, Marcus Fridley and Aston Fridley; two great-grandchildren, Lexi and Brooks Vaske; and Jack’s special friend, Annes Kenney of Strawberry Point.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; his parents, his brother, Donald Fridley, and his sister, Maxine Hines.

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