Derrick William Fries

Derrick was born on November 10, 1971, in Marquette, a son of George Fries and Gail Urbiha. He was raised in Marquette and was a graduate of Marquette Senior High School, Class of 1990. Following high school, Derrick worked for Sunrise Builders and North Oak Manufacturing before continuing his education at Northern Michigan University, where he pursued a degree in nursing.

After graduating from nursing school, Derrick began a long and dedicated career in healthcare at UP Health System­Marquette, serving in many areas over the years. Most recently, he was employed with Humana as a transplant coordinator, a role that reflected his compassion and commitment to helping others.

Derrick was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for mountain biking and took great joy in testing and riding single-track trails. He embraced life with energy and enthusiasm. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, and spending time with his dogs.

Above all, Derrick was a devoted and loving father. His world revolved around his children, and he proudly coached his boys throughout their hockey years. Derrick also maintained an outdoor hockey rink throughout their childhood, something he took great pride in and which brought joy to many. In recent years, he and his daughter shared special memories attending Hiawatha Fest together.

Survivors include his four children, Cameron (Faith Liberty) Fries of Marquette, Courtney (Connor Madsen) Fries of Marquette, Connor (Lauren Rowland) Fries of Marquette, and Caleb Fries of Marquette; his grandson, Carson Fries; Sisters; Lori Fries of Marquette and Carrie Fries of Marquette; his mother, Gail Urbiha of Marquette; and his father, George Fries of Marquette. Also surviving is the mother of his children, Connie Fries of Marquette.

A special mention is extended to those who gave Derrick the gift of life through organ donation: Gail Urbiha in 1997, Amanda Beerman in 2009, and an unknown generous donor in 2019.

Honorary pallbearers will be his dear friends Mark Menhennick, Tony Redman, Troy Lane, Ryan Riipi, Rob Phillips, Jeremy Beerman, Sean Maguire and Darrell Numella.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Bay Cliff Health Camp, NTN Trail Network, or the Beacon House.

Friends may call at Canale Funeral Home and Cremation Services on Sunday, February 8, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Sunday at 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Kevin Taylor officiating.