Manfred “Fred” Juergen Gerhard Jalass, 77, died July 6, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. Fred was born on May 22, 1949 in Ludwigslust, East Germany.

With his mother and father, they escaped from East Germany in 1952. His working parents were unable to care for him and he was sent back to his mother’s parents in East Germany. When he was 6 years old, he contracted polio. The communist government refused to medically take care of him. He was kicked out of East Germany and reunited with his parents. Polio was his ticket to freedom.

Luck was with Fred and his parents in 1958, an elderly aunt living in San Francisco offered to sponsor them so they could immigrate to the United States. His parents continued to improve their lives by getting better jobs but it required the family to move. From San Francisco to New York City to Milwaukee to Omaha. Unable to speak a word in English when he came to the US, he learned quickly even with changing schools numerous times. His best English tutor was movies. Disney’s “Pollyanna” and “Parent Trap” were his favorites, watching them over and over. In 1964 his family finally settled in Omaha, allowing him to attend and graduate at one school, Benson High School ‘67’. Also, he proudly gained his American Citizenship on November 17, 1966.

Fred next attended the University of Nebraska starting a new chapter in his life. On June 17, 1968 a tumble while playing flag football landed him at the feet of Eunice Gleeson. That is how he first met his soulmate. They both graduated from UNL. They continued to be ever faithful Husker fans. Season ticket holders for both Football and Volleyball, they attended home games and matches. They also traveled with friends to away games.

February 20, 1971 Fred and Eunice were united in marriage. New Year’s Eve ‘71, they became the proud parents of Jessica.

In 1986 Fred announced the family was going to take a vacation. To their surprise it was a 7 day, 500 mile, camping and bicycling trip across Nebraska with 500 other riders. BRAN (Bike Ride Across Nebraska) was now in the family’s blood. After participating as riders for a couple of years in the annual ride, Fred became part of the organizational team in 1990. Over 25 years designing different routes, selecting new host towns and various themes. Fred and Eunice also volunteered various support functions during the week long ride. BRAN stayed overnight in all 93 counties; in cities and towns with population of 90 to 25,000. Riders came from almost every state and several foreign countries. It was a year around passion for Fred and Eunice.

In 1987 Fred took a big risk and became the owner of International Minute Press, a printing company. For almost 30 years it successfully served individuals, businesses and organizations.

Both Fred and Eunice retired in 2015. They continued to enjoy biking, attending Husker games and traveling.

Fred has now found peace and looking forward to his next ride in heaven.

Fred was preceded in death by his mother, Erika Schreiber Jalass, and father, Juergen Jalass. He is survived by his loving wife Eunice Gleeson Jalass, brother, Tom (Becky) Jalass, daughter, Jessica (Tony) Galati, and grandson AJ Galati. He lives on in the memories of family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held when his ashes are brought to Omaha. The date has yet to be determined.

Use the pictures provided for the bulletin. Plus the attached photos. In a separate email I am sending 3 pictures that could be cropped for the initial obituary picture.