Mitchell Arlo Fries
January 9, 1963 - February 3, 2023
Mitchell Arlo Fries (Mitch), 60 of Fleming, Colorado, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, February 3, 2023, following a long hard-fought battle with cancer. Viewing will be held from 1 -6 p.m., Friday, February 10 at Chaney-reager Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4 - 6 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 11 at Chaney-reager Funeral Home with Chaplain
Dee Walker officiating. Mitch will be laid to rest at Fleming Cemetery in Fleming, Colorado.
Mitch was born January 9, 1963 in Atlantic, Iowa to Marvin Wayne Fries and
Mardyll Marie (Christensen) Fries. He lived in Anita, IA before relocating to Fort Collins Colorado with his family in 1968.
Mitch attended Fort Collins public schools and graduated from
Fort Collins High
School in 1981. While attending junior high and high school, Mitch worked at the family-owned print shop after school and on weekends.
In September 1981, fresh out of high school, Mitch married Melanie (Sue) Pilkington of Fort Collins. This union yielded two beautiful children, Marlynn Marrae and Mason Edward. They were both tragically taken from life too early.
Marlynn at age 13 and Mason at 7 weeks.
Mitch continued his employment at the print shop until his health would no longer allow it. At this time Mitch became his mother's caretaker until her passing. This is when Mitch moved to Fleming, CO, where he lived for his last 10 years.
Mitch was an outdoor person. He loved camping, fishing and being in nature. Mitch spent most mornings watching the sunrise, having a cup of coffee, and feeding the rabbits from his back deck. Among other things, Mitch enjoyed many types of crafts. He was a creative and talented person and was hands on and liked staying busy.
Towards the end of Mitch's illness, he found great comfort in his Ashton Drake baby doll collection. Mitch was a devout Christian. He and his family were founding members of Peace with Christ Lutheran church in Fort Collins. Mitch was also confirmed at Peace with Christ. Mitch never let go of or wavered in his faith. He always put his trust in God.
He was preceded in death by both his parents and his two children, numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and friends.
Mitch is survived by his 2 brothers, Marlon & Matthew Fries and his sister, Marcy Young.