Thomas Eugene Friess was born on February 1, Feb1956, in Wichita, KS, to parents Charles Waldo and Janice (Spafford) Waldo. Tom passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side on March 2, 2026. Private family burial held Saturday, March 7, 2026, per Tom’s wishes.
Tom lived in Lake City during his childhood; he carried the Des Moines Register and Tribune papers, riding his bicycle all over town. His family moved to Jefferson, IA, when his mother remarried and was adopted by his stepfather, Donald Friess.
Tom graduated from East Greene High School in 1974. That same year, he met the love of his life, Cindy McCoy, on a blind date. They married on September 19, 1975, in Boone, IA. He told everyone the honeymoon was still going strong 50 years later.
Tom worked for many Rippey area farmers while in high school. He also worked at the Angus Elevator, Rippey Coop, Osmundson’s, and the Perry Water Works. He graduated from DMACC with the President’s award, with a degree in Health Care Administration. Tom had many diverse interests and hobbies. He was also a private pilot. He and Cindy spent many summers at Oshkosh, WI, fly-in air shows. He enjoyed fishing, especially when he got to fish with his dad, uncle, grandpa, and step-dad. Tom was an amateur radio operator. He and Cindy also enjoyed many trips to NHRA drag racing events.
His most fulfilling interest was the study of the King James Bible and the sharing of his extensive study of the Protestant Reformation and how it relates to today’s world. He was a believer in God’s grace through Jesus Christ and tried to live his life as Christ commanded.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Cindy; stepbrothers: Claude Friess and Nick Friess; sisters and brothers-in-law: Dianna (Deke) Becker, Linda (Late brother-in-law, Mike) McCoy, Pat (Ken) Elsberry, Barb (Mark) Appenzeller, and Tim (Janice McCoy); and many other relatives. He will be missed by his “feathered babies,” Waco and Chipper.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Mary Greeley Hospital, Hospice of the Midwest, and special family friend, Judy Rurup, for their wonderful care and support.
