George "Red" Frye, one of the last Iowa football Ironmen, dies

2:13 PM, Mar. 19, 2011  |  

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George “Red” Frye, one of the last surviving members of the famous 1939 Iowa Hawkeye football team featuring Nile Kinnnick, has died. He was 91.

Frye died this morning in Albia, according to family friend Jason Summers.

Originally from Albia, Frye was a fullback for the famous Iowa team. He wore No. 19 for the Hawkeyes and can be seen as the lead blocker for Kinnick in the famous relief sculpture at the south entrance of Kinnick Stadium.

After finishing at Iowa, Frye went on to be a pilot during World War II, studying at the pre-flight school at the University of Iowa before heading into service.

After the war, Fry went on to become and occupational therapist and worked for the Veterans Administration in a variety of capacities over the years.

Summers said Frye had recently had a heart attack as well as a broken hip.

Funeral arrangements are pending with the Sinnott-Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Albia.