Laverne “Butch” J. Fry

STITZER / FENNIMORE - Laverne “Butch” James Fry, age 77, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday April 8, 2025, at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center with his family by his side. He was born on March 8, 1948, in Platteville, the son of Walter and Ruth (Warne) Fry.

Laverne graduated from Platteville High School and then entered the workforce. He went to work at John Deere in Dubuque for a few years and then was employed at Orchard Manor of Lancaster in their maintenance department for a brief time. Laverne became a familiar face at Fennimore Interiors for over 25 years, especially when it came to moving furniture. He was a dedicated employee and loved assisting their customers. After his retirement, you could find Laverne assisting customers at the local car wash in Fennimore and the surrounding communities. He enjoyed helping his son Mathew with his businesses. Laverne also liked doing automotive work on the side at their local shop.

Laverne adored his family and loved spending time with them. They would play marbles, do puzzles, and have family game nights often. He liked watching westerns, going fishing, mowing lawns, and helping his neighbors. Laverne will be remembered for his dedication to his family, especially his grandchildren, his gentle presence, and his quick one liner jokes.

Laverne is survived by his three children: Laverne “Verno” Fry Jr. of Stitzer, Matthew (Jessica Peterson) Fry of Fennimore, and Sandy (Ernest Fry) Fry of Muscoda, proud grandfather of Michaela (Michael Stuckey Jr) Bion of Eastman, Ashley (Samuel) Kvistad of Monona, IA, Haley Bion of Fennimore, and Brandon Bion of LaCrosse, and one great-grandchild, Rhyatt Stuckey, brother Lincoln (Kathy) Fry of Superior, sister Shirley Manders of Summerfield, FL, and sister Mary Oehlke of Cumberland and many nieces and nephews.

Laverne was preceded in death by his parents, daughter-in-law Melissa Fry, two brothers: Robert and William Fry, sister-in-law Genelle Fry, and brother-in-law Mark Oehlke.