Janet K. (Reifler) Fry

Janet K. (Reifler) Fry

May 9, 1956 – November 22, 2022

Janet Fry (née Reifler) was born in Gering, Nebraska. Jan’s inspired life saw her travel and live across the U.S. and abroad, including Denver, Seattle, and Switzerland. She built her family and her home in Omaha, where she passed peacefully, surrounded by loving friends, her sons, and most of all, Quilters. While Jan’s life work includes philanthropy, non-profit fundraising, and charity planning, her passion and pastime have always been quilts, quilting, and the Quilters who quilt them. The lives she touched, however close or far removed, bear marks of her generosity, love, and of course, quilts (graduation quilts, baby quilts, memorial quilts…)

Jan is preceded in death by her father, William Reifler of Lincoln, and survived by her mother, Betty Reifler; brother, Douglas Reifler; three proud sons, Kyle and Matthew Fry of Omaha and Tyler Fry of Chicago; nephews, Jerome and Adam Reifler of Lincoln; and her adoring dachshund and cat, Teacup and Jack. She did not care for run-on sentences.

A celebration of Jan’s life, art, philanthropy, and quilts is being planned for late Spring 2023 for all of her friends, family, and Quilter companions to attend.

The family asks that any donations in Jan’s memory be made to Siena Francis House.

9 Comments

  • Julie Burgess Posted December 15, 2022 12:03 pm

    I can hardly bear to think of a world without Jan in it! Such sad news. I am one of the many quilters who spent so much time with this woman. She loved hand piecing and handquilting, but when she discovered how to quilt on the machine, she just let it fly. So. Many. Quilts. I had the great privilege of working with her in the Omaha Quilters Guild in so many capacities, and working on the National Quilting Association show in 1999, which her vision and stick-to-it-tiveness made possible. And maybe one of the best adventures I had with her was co-chairing the 2002 Nebraska State QuiltNebraska convention. God speed my friend. I pray God’s comfort on your family who miss you greatly.

  • Mary Posted December 15, 2022 3:31 pm

    RIP 🙏 prayers for her and family

  • Jeanine jeaHachten Posted December 15, 2022 3:32 pm

    What a shining star to us all her master quilting helped this beginner ! Never forget the miles we walked for the National Quilt Show in Omaha!❤️❤️❤️

  • Chris Tudor Posted December 15, 2022 4:17 pm

    Jan and I only knew each other for about ten years. But she became such a dear and beloved friend. She loved her boys so much. I hope you can still feel that from her heavenly home.

  • Judy Hoff Posted December 15, 2022 6:02 pm

    Jan was such a beautiful soul and I am so sad to hear of her passing. My heartfelt prayers and thoughts go out to her family whom she loved so much. Jan will be missed by all of the Hoff families. Rest in peace Jan.🙏💞

  • Ron Rice Posted December 15, 2022 7:20 pm

    Deb and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. I was one of Craig’s best friends in high school. We miss him and now Jan also. We never got to Omaha enough to see them. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. You will always have their memories to hold close to your hearts. May God keep them both in his care. Ron and Deb Rice Neligh, Ne.

  • Marcia Wragge Posted December 15, 2022 7:39 pm

    Jan was a true treasure. Her kindness & generosity continue to inspire me & my quilting. She is greatly greatly missed.

  • Linda Massey Posted December 15, 2022 9:30 pm

    So sad to hear of Jan’s passing. She was such a kind, friendly, welcoming person. Always made me feel included when I was taking a quilting class or attending Camp Wannamakeablankie! She shared her knowledge and love for quilting with so many. She will be missed deeply.

  • Jackee Brock Posted December 16, 2022 1:19 pm

    Rest in peace, Jan.

Sign Guestbook

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *