Gail Patricia Fry

MADISON-Gail (Dorshorst) Fry, age 63, passed away on Monday, Dec. 9, 2013, at her home in McFarland. Gail was born on Oct. 23, 1950 and was the daughter of Doris (Haberman) Dorshorst and Donald Dorshorst. She grew up on a farm in the town of Columbus. Gail came from a large family with 10 siblings. Throughout her life, her sisters and brothers were her best friends. She met Joe Fry when he worked on the word processing equipment at her state office building. Gail and Joe were married on Sept. 4, 1976 at St. Jerome’s Church in Columbus. They had two children. Gail spent most of her career, working at the Department of Natural Resources working as a Federal Aid Coordinator. She had the ability to multi-task effectively and considered many of her co-workers friends. Gail is survived by her mother, Doris; husband, Joe; daughter, Molly (Matt); son, Shane (Terren); her two grandchildren, Audrey and Callum; and all of her siblings. Gail lived an incredible life. One of Gail’s favorite things to do was go camping, especially at Peninsula State Park in Door County. She loved getting together with family and celebrating the holidays, sometimes with as many as 80 relatives under one roof. You could always find Gail in the kitchen and the food she made was amazing. Gail also was able to learn new skills quickly and liked staying busy. She was constantly sewing a quilt, knitting at hat, walking on the treadmill, planning a vacation, or taking a class to learn something new. Her children will always remember being able to choose a Halloween costume and having their mom make it for them, no matter what they picked out. She was a fierce competitor in any game she played, such as softball, bowling, and euchre. Gail always thought about the needs of others before her own. She wanted to give her children and grandchildren opportunities that she didn’t have herself. She also loved to spoil her grandchildren and had a new surprise for them every time she saw them. Gail was a fighter with a positive attitude and she never gave up. Even when battling cancer, she did everything she could to be here with family as long as possible. Everyone who knew and loved Gail will miss her terribly, but will never forget her or the amazing life she led. Gail’s wish was that we not mourn her death with sadness, but that we instead celebrate the life that she had. A Celebration of her Life will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 1150 Park Street, Oregon, on Saturday, December 14, from 9 a.m. 11 a.m. with a service led by Jeff Vanden Heuvel and sharing of memories and stories beginning at 11 a.m. There will be food and beverages following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Folklore Theater. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park St. (608) 835-3515