Michael R. Fricke
Michael R. Fricke, 56, of Nora Springs passed away Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, surrounded by his family after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
Visitation was Monday, April 23, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City.
Graveside services will be held at a later date.
Michael Robert Fricke was born on Sept. 26, 1961, in Guttenberg to Robert “Bob” and Shirleen Fricke. He attended and graduated from Northwood-Kensett High School in 1981. Following graduation he began working at Curries, a career he held for 33+ years until his retirement in 2014. Every spring and fall he would assist his farming family, the Barkemas from the Belmond area, a passion that he had since his teenage years. On Oct. 19, 1991, Mike married Connie Ward in Clear Lake.
Mike was a member of the Pyrotechnics Guild International PGI, having the opportunity to interact with people all over the country who were just as passionate as he was. This also brought him to begin assisting Hollywood Pyrotechnics with setups for holidays all over the Midwest, a love he shared with his children.
Mike found a love in wood working, creating pieces by hand to be gifted to others. This love is now displayed in many homes as cabinets, toy chests, vanities, and shelves, to forever remind them of him. He also found enjoyment in cooking for his family, truck and tractor pulls, and Monster Truck shows. Mike enjoyed spending time outside, whether it was riding his motorcycle without a destination, or going fishing in the Boundary Waters with Joshua, the fresh air was therapeutic. But most of all, Mike loved his family – time spent with Dillon and Mattie, whether it be riding four wheelers, fishing together, or just spending time at home, was one of the most treasured times for Mike.
Mike’s family would like to sincerely thank oncologist Dr. Cragg and her staff at the Mercy Cancer Center for 10+ years of outstanding care. The entire staff was so caring – each visit, Mike’s wellbeing and health was of utmost priority. They would also like to thank the kind, compassionate nurses and staff at Hospice of North Iowa who made the end of this long journey bearable. You each took on a personal task to make Mike comfortable, which was greatly appreciated. Thank you all!
Left to cherish Mike’s memory are his wife, Connie Fricke of Nora Springs; sons, Joshua Borchardt and his, wife, Holly of Rockford, Dustin Fricke and his wife, Jaime of Northwood, and Eli Fricke of Nora Springs; grandchildren, Dillon and Mattie Borchardt; his parents, Bob and Shirleen Fricke of Mason City; his twin sister, Marcia Hearn and her husband, Wayne of Humble, Texas; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim Ward and his wife, Vickie of Fertile, Jean Wright and her husband, Doug of Osage, and Jeff Ward and his wife, Lorena of Beloit, Wis.; Connie’s step-mother, Jan Ward of Portland, Ore., and her sons, Randy Lill of Portland, Ore., and Brad Lill of Sussex, Wis.; as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, extended family members and friends.
Those who have preceded him in death are his daughter, Nena Fricke; in-laws, Garvin and Eva Ward; his maternal and paternal grandparents; a sister-in-law, Beth “Wilber” Ward; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and extended family members.
Memorials may be directed in care of Mike’s family.
