Cheri Leah (Fritz) Mager, age 68 of Wilber, NE, passed away August 5th, 2025, after a short battle with cancer.

Born on June 23, 1957, in Crete Nebraska, Cheri lived life simply with kindness in her heart and fire in her soul. She stitched warmth and heart into everything she did.  She was a devoted wife to Bob, who lovingly accepted that she was always right (and even when she wasn't, she was still mostly right).  Cheri and Bob were united in marriage on September 30, 1977, at the Wilber United Methodist Church.  They were blessed with 2 children, Jessica and Brian.  They made their home on a farm north of Wilber.

Cheri was baptized at Grace United Methodist Church in Crete, NE.  She was a member of the Wilber-Clatonia class of 1975 and graduated from Doane College with a degree in Early Childhood Education in 1979.  An exceptionally talented seamstress and avid quilter, Cheri's hands were rarely still.  She created beauty from fabric and stitching- whether it was a quilt for a loved one, Czech vests sewn for the Wilber Craft Shop, or the many prom and wedding dress alterations over the years.  Cheri's projects brought her joy- ensuring that her sewing room was her happy place.

Beyond Cheri's sewing talents, she applied her natural creativity to her many pranks over the years, ensuring lots of laughter and fun with friends and family in unique and unexpected ways.  Cheri loved a good joke, but more importantly loved orchestrating terrific pranks, sketches, and adventures with and for other people.  Her ability to find fun in virtually any circumstance was legendary. She made sure no one took themselves too seriously, always poking fun at them, but always did it with love in her heart and showing everyone how much they meant to her.  Her strength, independence, and bold spirit meant she was loved and revered by many in her life.  Cheri was truly one of a kind.

Cheri influenced and served others over her life in many roles - teacher, caregiver, volunteer, 4-H leader, youth group leader, aunt, sister, neighbor, friend, mother and wife.  But no role brought her greater joy and pride than one she stepped into later in life: Grandma.  As Grandma her cookie jar was always full, the cabin was always available and stocked, hugs were healing, and her stories had just enough exaggeration to leave others in awe.  She believed grandkids were life's greatest reward and she took the role very seriously.  From ziplines, guns and drones to football, baseball and speech and everything in between she was proudly there for it.

Cheri was a member of the Sokol Hall in Wilber, member of the Wilber United Methodist Church, treasurer of the Big Blue Cemetery, a long-time blood donor and community cornerstone.  Through her leadership and teaching, she inspired generations of Wilber children to try something new, do their best and always press their seams.  Cheri had a unique gift for making people feel special, whether through a kind word, perfectly timed joke, or yet another one of her ongoing shenanigans.  Whether substitute teaching or working at the Wilber Care Center, Cheri ensured that all those around her felt like family.  Cheri was witty, warm, spiciest in the best of ways, and will be deeply missed.

Survived by husband Bob, daughter Jessica (Derrick) Damrow, grandsons Brevin and Pierce Damrow, brother Russell (Susan) Fritz, sister Jill (Mike) Chaloupka, brother-in-law Jim (Audrey) Mager, sister-in-law Janey Rowell, special nieces and nephews, dear cousins, and a community of extended family and friends who were grateful to have her all these years.

Preceded in death by her beloved son Brian Mager, parents Norman and Willa Deen Fritz, parents-in-law Ed and Marguerite Mager, and sister-in-law Linda Mager.

Cheri taught us that a good life isn't measured in riches, but in the number of people who grin or laugh when they think of you, and by that measure, she was the wealthiest woman we knew.  In lieu of flowers, hug your loved ones, tell a funny story, or do something kind- preferably with a little flair- in true Cheri fashion.  Memorials accepted by the family and designated to the Sokol Hall, Wilber United Methodist Church and Big Blue Cemetery.

Services will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Sokol Hall in Wilber. Visitation will be on Sunday from 2 - 5 PM at Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber. Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber.