Clifford Eugene "Cliff" Fry

Clifford Eugene “Cliff” Fry passed away June 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and sons. Born on January 2, 1954, in Pasadena, California, Cliff was the seventh child of John V. and Dorothy (McIntosh) Fry. Cliff grew up in the Nevada area and graduated from Nevada Community High School in 1972. After high school he attended DMACC and Iowa State University. Cliff enjoyed playing baseball and football in high school, and as a senior, he was the recipient of the Gary Bartmess Award given to outstanding Nevada athletes. In his adult years, Cliff enjoyed bowling and playing softball. On May 24, 1980, Cliff married Linda Grumley at the Memorial Lutheran Church in Nevada. To their marriage three boys were born: Alexander Eugene, Paul V., and Joel Erwin. Cliff’s family was his joy. He supported them and took pride in all their endeavors.

Cliff’s life reflected his love and support of kids and community. While the owner and manager of the Starlite Lounge in Nevada, he sponsored many of the town’s teams and was a member of the Lions and Kiwanis Clubs. While employed by the Veterans Administration as Chief of Canteen Services, Cliff and his family moved to Missouri, Texas, Illinois, Iowa (Kalona), South Dakota and Florida. After retiring in 2014, they ultimately returned and settled in Kalona, Iowa. Cliff and Linda were Mid-Prairie Athletic Boosters. They also served as support staff at Mid-Prairie West Elementary and High School after Cliff retired from the VA in 2014.

Cliff made friends easily. Anyone who knew him recognized his great sense of humor and his infectious laugh. He and Linda enjoyed traveling, playing cards and games with their friends, and having a good time in general. Cliff was a fan of Iowa Hawkeye sports. He loved baseball and football, especially the San Franciso Giants and Chicago Bears. And in his earlier days, he liked a good ol’ PBR beer.

Cliff will be deeply missed by his wife of 46 years, Linda; sons Alex (Maritza), Paul, and Joel, and his beloved dog Millie; also, his sisters Carol Dodge and Deb Fry (Doug Wunder), and brother Mike Fry; brother-in-law Kerry; many nieces and nephews, cousins, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Dennis and Richard Fry, and sisters Sandy Myhre and Con Soesbe.

A celebration of life will be held at Wildwood Saloon in Iowa City from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 27th. Condolences may be sent to his family at 804 W 2nd St Kalona, IA 52247. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Washington County or Feed the Kids Mid-Prairie.