Gregory W. Fruik

ALEXANDRIA, La. - Gregory W. Fruik, 54, of 706 Hedin Avenue, Ironwood, Mich., passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Oct. 28, 2016, in Alexandria.

Greg was born on March 12, 1962, in Ashland, Wis., the son of Floyd and Lois (Helander) Fruik of Ironwood. He was a graduate of Luther L. Wright High School of Ironwood with the class of 1980. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, working with radar repair. He attended Ohio Institute of Technology in Columbus, Ohio. He also worked for NetVoyage, Orbit Technology, and for the last 10 years with CCI Systems in Iron Mountain, Mich. He was truly gifted in the field of computer technology, and was challenged to push the systems to their limit. He was talented enough to solve problems that were a mystery to the level eight technicians. He was glad to be on call for those who needed help in this regard.

He enjoyed skiing when still in school and took advantage of the free spring skiing at Powderhorn Mountaint where he promptly broke his leg. He was known for his incredible hand to eye coordination, which meant that he could win at any video game he chose. He was also the sound and lighting technician for a rock band that toured the area.

He is survived by his parents; his sister, Susan Wood of Kimball, Wis .; four children, SFC Nathaniel (Cecelia) Fruik of Killeen, Texas, Leandra Fruik of Alexandria, and Brandi Fruik and Katy Fruik of Seattle; four granddaughters, Daphne, Brianna and Olivia Fruik of Killeen, and Cordelia Fruik of Alexandria. He's also survived by two special friends, Lisa Olson and Bonnie Fruik. They were all especially dear to him. He also leaves behind aunts, uncles and cousins, many with whom he was able to reconnect when he spent this last summer here in Ironwood. He will also miss the joy of babysitting the "fur children" of the family.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Alec and Hilma Helander; and his paternal grandparents, Lyle "Johnnie" Fruik and Mildred Fruik Anderson. Also preceded by uncle, Ted Fruik of New Mexico; and aunt, Pat Cook of Bergland, Mich.

Services will be held at the Hurley VFW on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 1 p.m. with full military honors.

Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery at a later date.