Jan Mae Fries

Janice “Jan” Mae Fries, age 71, of Three Rivers, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home on September 18, 2026, following a courageous two-year battle with cancer.

Jan was born in Three Rivers on May 19, 1955, the daughter of Warren Hovarter and Norma (Castleman) Hovarter. On June 30, 1973, she married Mark Fries at the New Apostolic Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Together, they shared more than 53 years of marriage.

Jan dedicated much of her career to military and veterans’ administration. In 1983, she began working for the Department of the Army in Germany, where she served as a secretary for more than 13 years. She later worked as an administrative assistant at the hospital at Fort Knox. Jan continued her career in military administration and later served as a secretary for mental health at the VA. For the final seven years of her career, she served as the Administrative Officer of Mental Health at the VA in Battle Creek, Michigan. In total, Jan devoted 20 years to military administration and caring for those who served.

Jan was a woman who never hesitated to help others. There wasn't a thing she wouldn't do for somebody, and she truly would have given the shirt off her back to someone in need. She was a good person with a generous heart, and she was also a wonderful cook.

In her free time, Jan enjoyed crochet, knitting, fishing, and, in her younger years, camping. She was especially talented when it came to fishing and could fillet a fish perfectly. Those who knew her best will remember her warmth, generosity, and strong personality. Her husband, Mark, will especially miss her yelling at him and all the little moments that made their life together uniquely theirs.

Jan was a parishioner of the New Apostolic Church.

She is survived by her husband, Mark Fries of Three Rivers, MI; her father, Warren Hovarter of Centreville, MI; her siblings, Marci (Dennis) Wagner of Colorado Springs, CO, and William (Dawn) Hovarter of Greenville, MI; nephews: Ben (Hilary) Hovarter of Sparta, MI, and Craig and Sarah Hovarter; and several great-nieces and great-nephews, including Mark (Beccy) Wagner and Warren (Jessica) Wagner and three Great Great Nephews and one Great Great Niece.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Norma Hovarter; her grandmothers Castleman and Hovarter; grandfather Elmer Hovarter and her uncle, Ed.

In accordance with Jan's wishes, cremation has taken place. There are no services scheduled at this time.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Jan's memory are asked to consider the Bronson Cancer Center.

Ray Funeral Services, 305 Rock River Ave., Three Rivers, MI 49093. Has been entrusted with Jan's care. 

Please visit www.rayfuneralservices.com to gather and share in her memory.