Thomas (Tom) Friye
Thomas (Tom) Friye, age 84, of Quincy, died on Saturday, January 31, 2026 in Blessing Hospital after a courageous battle with leukemia. He was born on January 31, 1942 at St. Mary Hospital in Quincy, the son of Ted and Glenora (Heubner) Friye. Tom attended St. Francis Grade School and graduated from Christian Brothers Catholic High School in 1960. He also took classes at Iowa State University to become a registered landscape architect. Tom married Nancy Bardon at St. John Catholic Church on October 8, 1966.
Tom briefly worked for Grieving Sheet-Metal. He then worked for Hamann Florist for 10 years. In January 1971, Tom began working for Bergman Nurseries where he stayed for 28 years. Tom was well-known in and around the Quincy area for his artistic and design abilities in landscape architecture. Among the best moments of his career was when Tom, along with his 3 sons, proudly purchased Bergman Nurseries in 1999 from the Bergman family. He retired in June of 2012, after 41 years in the landscaping business.
Tom coached Park District baseball for many years. He thoroughly enjoyed following all of his sons’ sports and school activities. Following QND sports was a passion for Tom and continues to be for Nancy. Tom served on numerous local boards and organizations including the Quincy Roman Catholic Cemetery board for over 30 years, the Quincy Tree Commission, and the Quincy Notre Dame High School board.
Through the years, Tom and Nancy took pleasure in many wonderful trips, with his sister, Carolyn and her husband Denny Lubbe, as well as vacations with lifelong friends Tom and Shirley Kane. Tom also enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends. After retiring, Tom spent many hours at the “farm” doing all sorts of things but most importantly enjoying the beauty of God’s glorious creation.
Tom was a steadfast husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, as well as; his three sons: Todd Friye (Dee), Travis Friye (Pam) and Trevor Friye (April) all of Quincy. He was a proud grandfather to Austin Friye (Taylor), Logan Friye (Delaney), Noah Friye (Sawyer), Jonah Friye, June Friye, Kale Friye and Easton Friye. As well as a great-grandfather to Halston Friye and Beckett Friye. He is also survived by his sister Carolyn Lubbe (Denny), sister-in-law Barbara Bardon Bockhaus, as well as numerous other nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws: Harold and Alvera Bardon, and brothers-in-law: Bruce Bardon and Roger Bockhaus.
The family would like to thank all of the wonderful caregivers who helped Tom. Because of the thankless sacrifices of blood donors, Tom was able to be part of many major family events this past year. We thank those who have donated and encourage those who can to do so. It is a life saving gift that has such a huge impact on the quality of life for so many.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 9:30 in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and at 10:00 in St. Francis Catholic Church. Interment in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM in St. Francis Catholic Church. Memorials may be made to St. Francis Parish or to Quincy Notre Dame High School. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Tom fought a courageous fight with the support of his loving family. He is now rewarded with his heavenly
home & joins other family & friends to watch over from above. He will be missed. ❤️ Job well done .
I didn’t knew Tom personally, but from his Wife Nancy I felt like I knew about him and all his talents. Had connected with his boys at the Nursery several times and told them their Mom was a person I had connected with back in the St. Mary’s Hospital days. I am so sorry for your loss. I know he will be missed. My Sincere Sympathy. Judy
I have seen his life’s work in the men his grandsons, Easton and Kale, and son, Trevor, are. These men live on in the legacy of hard work, kindness, and compassion. May you all find peace in your memories together.
My sympathy to Nancy, Carolyn and families. Our families were such great friends, getting together for many cookouts, fun times. Ted, Tom’s Dad, and my Dad played in the Pete Veile Band for many years, and Tom’s Mom, Glenora and my Mom were close friends.
Thinking of you all! Tom was a great man. Thoughts and Prayers!
I’m so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. We were neighbors of your grandparents on Sycamore. My husband John was classmate of Carolyn at St. John’s & I was a class later with Carolyn. We were familiar with Tom & Nancy at St. John’s & enjoyed being on social committees with them. They adored you boys &?we’re so proud of you. We loved Bergman Nurserie’s & seeing Tom there. We moved to Chicago area in 1986 & Miss the church friends at St. John’s. Please give your mom my love & sympathy. I’m sure Tom has decorated Heaven with greenery & flowers.,
We are in Florida but our thoughts and prayers are with you Nancy and your family
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing Nancy. So many prayers offered up for all of you in this difficult time.
Another limb has fallen from the family tree, remembering the best of times and growing up together on Koch’s Lane. My sympathy to Nancy and all the family. Thoughts and Prayers….
Tom was simply a great human being. If you were lucky to have known him – be grateful. I
loved sitting around Pete and Tom just chatting
While Nancy and I chattered and got silly – those guys would just look at us and each other and shake their heads—-memories forever.
What a great family – blessed to have walked some of our journey of life with them. RIP
So sorry to get the news Saturday as it had just been a week since we were able to visit and catch up with Tom. Will always have fond memories of all the gatherings in Quincy during my childhood of the Friyes, Smiths, Reckers, and Diesterhaus families. As Tom so adequately said, “they would get together to celebrate if someone sneezed”. He was a big part of that family closeness and will be fondly remembered. Courageous fight this last year and truly an epic, nice, long run Tom! Prayers for all of the family.
Nancy, Todd, Travis, and Trevor,
I can’t say enough good words about how much I respected your husband and father. He was a “Giver,” for sure. We spent so many hours, conversing on that baseball diamond at QND. He helped us make it one of the best, if not best, playing surfaces in the entire region. He did it because of his love for all of you, and for generations of players to come. May he rest in peace, and all of you have great memories shared with Tom. God Bless.
So sorry to hear the news of Tom’s passing. We are in Florida but wanted to let you know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
God bless you and family.
I knew Tom and his family from the neighborhood. Our parents car-pooled to St. Francis. Our backyards met between ours on Highland Lane and theirs on Koch’s Lane. His driveway basketball court and our football lot still echo from the hours of play. Condolences to Nancy and the family.
Tom always had a smile on his face and asked how I was doing every time I ran into him. He was a great guy and loved his family. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
The Disselhorst Family
You are in are thoughts and prayers.
Disselhorst Family