Tammie Jean Fries

Tammie Jean Fries was born on October 20, 1962, at Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison, Iowa, to Edward and Karen (Bertelsen) Willroth. She graduated from Ar-We-Va High School with the Class of 1980. After graduation, she moved to Kansas to live with her aunt and uncle, where she worked at Dolly Madison.

On March 8, 1986, Tammie was united in marriage to Brian Fries at the Presbyterian Church in Vail, Iowa. They were blessed with two children, Krystal and Zachary.

Tammie and Brian made their home in Harlan, where Tammie worked at Variety Distributors and CDS for about four years. The couple later moved to Denison, then to Vail to care for Tammie’s father, and eventually settled back in Denison where Tammie began working for Smithfield (formerly Farmland). She remained there for over 17 years. The couple later made their home in Kiron.

Tammie enjoyed quilting, sewing, crocheting, flower gardening, visiting antique shops, and “junking.” She will be remembered for her creativity, her kind heart, and the love she had for her family.

Tammie passed away on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha at the age of 63.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Karen Willroth; father-in-law, Roy Fries; nephew, Nathan Woodward; brother-in-law, Lyle Woodward; and sister-in-law, Carol Fries.

Tammie is survived by her husband, Brian Fries; daughter, Krystal Fries (Jeffery Ziegmann); son, Zachary Fries; and four grandchildren: Matthew Fries, Zander Ziegmann, Holly Ziegmann, and Zayden Ziegmann; sister, Judy Woodward of Dakota Dunes, SD; brother, John Willroth; mother-in-law, Ruth Fries; along with nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be mailed to Brian Fries, P.O. Box 4, Kiron, IA 51448.