John Fredrick “Jack” Fryer passed away peacefully in his Petersboro home on October 3. He was diagnosed with cancer just a year ago and bravely fought each day. He never complained, but lived each day as he always had; with honesty, love and few regrets.

Jack was born in Tremonton, Utah on July 27, 1946. He was the oldest son of Merlin and Eva (Poulsen) Fryer, who have both passed away. Jack is survived by his brother, Kent (Diann) Fryer and sisters, Nancy (Don) Wilcox and Jan Walker.

Jack attended and graduated high school at Clearfield High. He enjoyed high school and often talked about baseball, skiing, and lots of good times. But what he loved most about high school was the association he had with wonderful friends. He loved and cherished those friends and was so grateful to still be close to many of them all these years. After high school, Jack joined the Army Reserve where he served honorably until his release.

Jack married Melinda Gilleland on February 9, 1968. They were married in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. Jack and Melinda spent many wonderful years together, the majority of those years were in the home they built in Petersboro. Petersboro was a special place to Jack, his mother’s family had a farm there and he had spent many happy days there as a boy. It was his dream to one day live on the farm and raise his family there. He loved the view of the valley from his front porch and he loved the farm. 

Jack spent his days working as a letter carrier for the Logan Post Office. His route covered many of the apartment complexes near USU and he delivered many mission calls over the years, he loved those big white envelopes. He enjoyed the association he had with many of the students and people on his route. Jack worked on the farm in his spare time and as his children got older, he and Melinda spent their time at all the activities of their children. Volleyball became a huge part of the Fryer family. For the last 35 years, Jack and Melinda have had some connection with volleyball in Cache Valley. One of the last things Jack did was attend his granddaughter’s volleyball game. He loved the game and loved watching his children and grandchildren play. Jack loved being with his family and enjoyed watching all his children and grandchildren participate in many different activities, family was everything. 

Jack had a very strong testimony of Jesus Christ and the restored Gospel, he served faithfully in many ward and stake callings. One of the last callings he had was as a full time stay at home missionary. He and Melinda loved the opportunity to serve a mission together, something they had always wanted to do. Jack lived what he believed and loved his family, these two things made him a great leader in his home and community. He was loved and respected by many people, but no one more than his own family.

How do you put a man's life into a few short paragraphs? Not just any man, but a very good man. He was not perfect, but he never claimed to be. One of his best attributes was his willingness to forgive, ask forgiveness when needed and then be able to simply move on. He loved unconditionally and was accepting of everyone, giving anyone a chance based on who they were and not appearances. In a world where fatherhood is a diminished role, he exemplified that role. More than anything in this life, being a husband and father were the most important. Jack will be missed, but his life will have lasting influence for generations to come. 

Jack is survived by his wife (Melinda), his six children, Malayna (Marty) Knowles, Jenniffer (Brian) Owens, Wendy (Shawn) Osborne, Mandy (Mickey) Cox, John (Karlee) Fryer and Katie (Kade) Longhurst, 25 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Nyman Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at the LDS Petersboro Ward building in Mendon (20 North 100 West) on Friday, October 14 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and on Saturday, October 15 from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Funeral services will be held in the same location on Saturday at 11 am. Interment will be in the Poulsen Family Cemetery with Military Honors. Condolences and Memories can be shared with the family online at www.Nymanfh.com

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