Arla Rae Fricke

Arla Rae (Batz) Fricke was born March 12, 1939 to Paul and Elva (Janssen) Batz, in Lake City Iowa. She grew up on the family farm in Yetter Iowa, graduating from Southern Cal High School in Lake City.

Arla met Russ Fricke in 1957 on a blind date to a dance in Carroll Iowa. They were married May 24th 1958 in Lake City. They officially moved to the Becida area in 1963 with Shane and Denise, welcoming Lonne a few years later. They built their log home on what is locally known as "Fricke's Corner", in 1968. She was a homemaker until 1975 when she started working for the Bemidji Co-op Credit Union, later called Headwaters Federal Credit Union, retiring in 2001. She was a 4-H leader for 20+ years, enjoying many camping, canoeing, and state fair trips. She served on the board of directors for Adult Day Services for 12 years. Arla and Russ became snowbirds in 2002, traveling to Arizona each winter until 2023. Arla enjoyed hosting family holidays at their home, especially Christmas for which she made ALL the goodies! Golf was a favorite past time. She got 2 holes in one at Maple Ridge Golf Course. She enjoyed snowmobiling, deer hunting, fishing, and camping with family and friends. 

Arla was proceeded in death by her parents, daughter Donita, brother Ron Batz, mother and father in law Otmar and Ruth Fricke, in-laws Eldon and Evelyn Fricke, and Wendell Fricke. She is survived by her loving husband of almost 67 years, Russ Fricke, sister Sharon (Dave) McCaulley, brother Verle Batz, children Shane (Patty) Fricke, Denise Fricke, Lonne Fricke, Grandchildren Sarah (John) Lindholm, Michael Fricke, Melissa (Eric) Piere, Kari (Jason) Keprios, Kacey (John Hudson) Malterud,  and Faith Fricke. Great grandchildren Cameron and Kayleigh Lindholm, Ethan Piere, and Charlie Keprios. And many neices, nephews, and great neices and nephews.

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