Benjamin E. Fricke

December 28, 1929 - May 7, 2018

Benjamin E. Fricke, 88, of David City passed away May 7, 2018 at the St. Joseph's Villa. Memorials have been suggested to: Aquinas Guardian Angel Fund, Presentation Parish, and Masses. Benjamin was born December 28, 1929 to Ernest F. and Catherine(Kucera) Fricke on a farm near Rising City. He attended school through the 11th grade, until he went to farm. Ben was united in marriage to Arlene Novacek on January 4, 1949 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Schuyler. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the NFO(National Farmers Organization). Ben enjoyed going to all types of auctions, working with cattle and visiting with everyone. He was great at telling jokes and making new friends. One of his favorites sayings was "Grandma and I started out with nothing, and we still have most of it left." Ben is survived by his wife: Arlene of 68 years; children: JoAnn(John) Messing, of Shelby, Teresa Fricke, of Pleasant Valley, MO, Marcia(Larry) Dittfurth, of College Station, TX, Dan(Darcee) Fricke, of Lincoln, Mary(Matt) Parker, of Harrison, NE and son-in-law: Ben Syring, of David City; sisters: Rose Marie Kobza, Arliene(Joe) Kobza, Ramona Davis, Marilyn(Zeke) Zegers; sister-in-law: Andrea Fricke; brother-in-law: Rodney Powell; 24 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter: Jean Syring; siblings: Christopher(Gladys) Fricke, Gary Fricke, Evie(Walt) Daro, Anna Mae Powell; brothers-in-law: Richard Kobza, and Robert Davis; and great-grandchildren: Stephanie Syring and Calvin Sundberg.