Cynthia “Cindy” Sue Fries
Cindy Fries, Benkelman, Nebraska passed away on Jan. 5, 2021 at the Dundy County Hospital after an extended and courageous battle with breast cancer.
Cindy was born on Aug. 2, 1954 to Walter and Jean (Howard) Blecha. She grew up north of Benkelman at Twin Lakes. She attended country school at District 36 until the school closed and then she finished her schooling in Benkelman. She graduated from Benkelman High School in 1972 amongst a group of classmates that would remain her lifelong friends. After graduation Cindy moved to McCook. She came back to Benkelman and has been a community resident since 1973.
Cindy married Jerry Fries in 1974 and they were blessed with three children and five grandchildren.
Cindy was confirmed in the Zion Lutheran Church where she would be a lifelong member and would serve many roles along the way from parishioner to Sunday School Teacher, member of the Church Council and Leader of the Women’s Group. Her faith and relationship with God helped carry her through many joys and trials in her life, including the diagnosis of advanced breast cancer in 2003.
Cindy loved working with her husband and children on the farm and spending time at Twin Lakes. She was a wonderful mother to her children and grandchildren. She loved spending time with family, as well as cooking, sewing and working in her garden. In her later years she found great enjoyment following her five grandchildren.
Cindy was an avid Dundy County Stratton Tiger fan. As her illness progressed she continued to look forward to Tiger sporting events and would watch them on Striv TV.
Cindy was a survivor; she always had a smile and a kind word for those that she crossed paths with. Throughout her life she was a beacon of hope and an inspiration to others. She never complained and will be lovingly remembered for her sweet disposition.
Cindy is preceded in death by her parents Walter and Jean Blecha; her father and mother-in-law Guy and Melba Fries; and brother-in-law Wayne Barent.
Cindy is survived by husband Jerry, daughter Amy (Jason) Frederick, son Brian (Kacey) Fries, all of Benkelman; daughter Stephanie (Lamon) Poulsom of McCook; grandchildren, Aubrey, Grace and Michael Frederick and Kallen and Kaleb Feikert; brothers Alan Blecha of Imperial and Larry (Linda) Blecha of Crest Line, California; aunts Jeanne Blecha of Benkelman, Virginia Blecha of Omaha; sister and brothers-in-law Ellen (Kirk) Potthoff of Benkelman; Barb Blecha of Omaha, Deb Blecha of Imperial, Barbara Barent of Ogallala, Janet (Kurt) Applegarth of Palisade, Kenny (Marla) Fries of Benkelman, Susan (Galen) Todd of Wauneta, Richard (Val) Fries of Benkelman, John Fries of Benkelman, Lori (Tim) Rettele of Benkelman, Connie (Craig) Kerchal of Benkelman; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and wonderful friends.
Funeral service was held Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, 10:30 a.m. (MT) at the Zion Lutheran Church of Benkelman, with Pastor James Gleason officiating. Interment followed at the Benkelman Cemetery, Benkelman.
Visitation was held Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, 2-6 p.m. (MT) at the Benkelman Memorial Chapel, Benkelman, with the family present.
A memorial has been suggested to the Dundy County Ambulance Fund
Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com
Benkelman Memorial Chapel entrusted with arrangements.