Obituary for William "Bill" Matthews Frye

William (Bill) Matthews Frye, 73, of Charles City, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on May 22, 2025, six months after being diagnosed with glioblastoma.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, June 14, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Zastrow River Room in the Charles City Public Library. Guests are welcome to stop by at any time to visit with family and friends. A few of Bill’s favorite poems will be read beginning at 2:00 p.m. Following the gathering, all are invited to join the family for a toast to Bill at Tellurian Brewing.

Bill was born on February 2, 1952, in Charles City, Iowa. He was an active Boy Scout and proudly earned the rank of Eagle Scout. After graduating from high school in 1970, he attended Colorado College, where he joined ROTC. He went on to earn his law degree from the University of Iowa in 1977 and soon returned to Charles City to begin his legal practice.

On November 26, 1977, Bill married Carol (Gossard) in Nashua, Iowa. The couple built a life together in Charles City, raising their daughters and serving their community.

Bill practiced law for 31 years before transitioning to a role as Trust Officer at First Security Bank & Trust in 2008. He officially retired in 2019, but continued to stay active in the legal community, volunteering at Noah, Smith, Sloter, & Ellingson until his diagnosis.

A man of wide-ranging interests and quiet generosity, Bill enjoyed traveling, hiking, reading, cheering on the Cubs and Hawkeyes, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He could often be found walking with friends at the YMCA, having coffee at Aromas, listening to Iowa Public Radio, bicycling, fishing, canoeing, and helping with the Tosanak Maple Syrup project. He served 20 years in the Army Reserves, retiring as a Major in 1994. He was also an engaged member of the Rotary Club and served on numerous local boards.

Bill is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carol Frye; his daughters Julia Odugbesan and Abby Frye (wife Lindsay); and his beloved grandchildren: Lola and Kemi (Julia) and Ellis (Abby & Lindsay). He is also survived by his sister Barbara Frye; his mother-in-law, Marcia Gossard; his nieces Ara Pelz and Trisha DePreter, and nephew Ben Vogt.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Judge Jack and Helen Frye, and his father-in-law, Robert Gossard.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Charles City Public Library, an institution close to Bill’s heart. 

Checks may be sent to:
Charles City Public Library Foundation
910 Clark Street
Charles City, IA 50616