William L. Fryer

William L. Fryer, 104, of Mechanicsburg, formerly of Fleetwood, passed away Sunday, January 23, 2022.  He was the husband of the late Dorothy M. (Thomas) Fryer. Born in Fleetwood, he was the son of the late William R. and Lillie E. (Price) Fryer. He was a 1935 graduate of Kutztown High School and was Superintendent of the Kutztown Foundry and Machine Shop for over 30 years. Bill proudly served his Country in the U.S. Army as a Staff Sergeant from 1943 to 1946 during WWII European Conflict in the 724th Railway Operating Battalion. He repaired and maintained locomotives and railways in Northern France and was later transferred to Karlsruhe, Germany. Bill ended his deployment at Port of Le Havre where he guarded 150 German POW’s who were unaware he was fluent in Pennsylvania German. Bill was a great storyteller about his years growing up in Kutztown and especially reminiscing with incredible detail about his war experience that was featured in Along the Saucony, published by the Kutztown Historical Society. He is survived by daughter, Adele Fryer Simmonds; granddaughters: Dawn Fryer Clark (Sean), Lauren Hall, Leslie Hall, and Sarah Simmons Bingaman (Daniel); great grandchildren: Fianna Dorothy Clark, Phelan William Fryer Clark, and Isla Mae Hopple; and niece, Barbara Bealer. He was predeceased by sister, Janis Bealer and son in law, Robert Simmonds. Graveside services with military honors will be held Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 1pm in Hope Cemetery, 225 Church Lane, Kutztown. The family is honored to welcome all Veterans. In lieu of flowers donation may be made to IM ABLE Foundation, 1007 Hill Ave., Building 17, Wyomissing, PA 19610. Special thanks to Messiah Lifeways and Homeland Hospice for the exceptional care and friendships to Bill. Edward J. Hildenbrand Funeral Home Inc., Kutztown in charge of arrangements.