Bernard J. “Bernie” Kries

June 9, 2015

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Bernard J. “Bernie” Kries, a former Frankfort resident passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2015, in Tequesta, FL, following a short illness. He was born in Grayville, IL, on October 27, 1929, the only child of Edwin and Sybil (Ward) Kries. Bernie grew up in Detroit, MI, and graduated from Cooley High School. He was an outstanding hockey player, but really excelled as a baseball player (catcher), and turned down an offer from the Detroit Tigers upon graduation. He attended Michigan State University for one year, and then signed a professional baseball contract with the Chicago White Sox. Bernie played in the minor leagues for 1 full season and part of a 2nd, before a sore arm and homesickness ended his professional baseball career. He returned home to Detroit and married his high school sweetheart, June Swarens, on June 18, 1949. In 1952, the family moved to Frankfort, IN, when he started to work for Turner Trucking Company, Inc., as a sales rep. He later became President and owner, growing the company to 100 employees. Turner ceased operations in June of 1991, and Bernie retired to the golf course. He was an avid golfer, shooting his age many times, and making 4 career holes in one. Bernie also managed and coached Babe Ruth league baseball teams for 10+ years, and then resurrected, financed, and managed the Frankfort Amateur Baseball Team from 1969-1973. While living in Frankfort, he was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Frankfort Country Club, and Frankfort Rotary. In 2002, Bernie and June moved to Florida.

Visitation and Services

Cremation has taken place, and per Bernie’s wishes, no services will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to the Boone County or Clinton County Humane Society.

Survived by:

his wife, June, son Kerry (Susan) Kries, grandchildren; Allyson (Tom) Pereverzoff, Megan (Michael) McGuire, Derek and Damon Kries, and great grandchildren; Gabriel and Haley Pereverzoff, and his many friends.

Preceded by:

his daughters, Karen Wilcox and Kathy Kries, and a granddaughter, Marissa Kries.

Condolences

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6 Condolences for “Bernard J. “Bernie” Kries”

  1. Richard Rayles June 26, 2015 at 8:32 pm

    Bernie was a very good friend and a golfing partner. We had many great games on the golf course.

    Reply
  2. Jan Kersey June 27, 2015 at 9:13 am

    So sorry to read of Bernie’s passing. He was our neighbor on O’Neil St
    in Frankfort and well remembered as a caring person and a super golfer.
    Know he will be missed. Our Condolences go out to the family at this
    time. Gary and Jan Kersey

    Reply
  3. Walter Boyd June 27, 2015 at 7:11 pm

    I worked with Bernie at Turner, and was sadden to hear of his death.

    Reply
  4. Michael Russell June 28, 2015 at 7:29 pm

    Dear June – Remember me? I’m the son of Martha and Bill Russell, who lived across the street from you on Walnut Street in Frankfort. You knew me as Mickey, and I occasionally baby-sat for you. I was very sorry to accidentally learn of Bernie’s passing. I have happy memories of you both(and the Turner Trucking company “song” that you used to sing.) Of course, I also remember your “Tennis Anyone?” moment on stage. Who could forget THAT? Please accept my condolences and best wishes. Sincerely, Michael Russell. (1425 4th St SW A206, Washington, DC. 20024)

    Reply
    • Kerry Kries July 1, 2015 at 2:05 pm

      Dear Mickey, I just spoke to June and she was happy that we heard from you. We still talk about the time you and I were playing in our playroom and I ended up with a hole in the back of my head. I was in a baby buggy, and you were pushing me across the floor when it tipped over backward and my head landed on a toy, plastic piano. That was probably at least 60 years ago! Good to hear from you. Thanks for your condolences and best wishes. Best regards, Kerry.

      Reply
  5. Denny Emery July 8, 2015 at 1:51 pm

    Sorry to learn of Bernie’s passing. It brings back many great memories growing up in Frankfort and playing Babe Ruth baseball, All Star games, and the Frankfort Amateur Baseball Team during college summers. Bernie was always a positive person who combined his knowledge of the game and was able to relate to every player to gain the best efforts from all of us.
    He was indeed a special citizen of Frankfort, Indiana……….

    Reply

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