Fred Smith

Fred Smith 88, went to meet his Lord and Savior, Sunday May 7, 2023. Fred was born in his home near Oakland, Minnesota, the son of Wubba K. (Bill) and Frederika (Viel) Smith on December 10, 1934.

Fred married the loved of his life, Patricia Ann Eckhoff on October 11, 1958, at Christian Reformed Church, German Valley, where Rev C. Abbas and Fred’s brother the Rev. Bruno Smith officiated.

Fred is survived by his wife, Pat; four daughters, Marna Renee Frehner of York, South Carolina, Susan Jay (Terry) Simmons of Burlington, Wisconsin, Teresa Ellen (Todd)Baumgatner of Freeport, and Ann Frances (Dave) Schneider of Rockford; ten grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, sister-in-law, Donna Smith; also surviving is special sister-in-law, Bonnie Bangs.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, eight brothers, John, Kuhny, Bruno, Bill, Henry, Paul, Harm, and George; five sisters, Frances, Rena, Grace, Alice, and Jeannette; and one son-in-law, Conrad Frehner.

During his teen years, Fred worked for his uncles on their farm during harvest season. He was drafted into the Army and assigned to the 4th Infantry Division for two years during the Vietnam Era. Fred spent many years in construction, building mostly farm buildings. For six years he worked at German Valley Lumber Company. He then worked for many years at millwork companies in Rockford.

Fred played softball for several years in German Valley. He also coached women’s softball and umpired softball in German Valley. He enjoyed fishing and also played softball for St. Paul Church of Epleyanna in the church league. Fred was a volunteer fireman and EMT for the German Valley Fire Department for many years.

Fred was a Christian having served many years as Elder, Deacon, and Trustee, Sunday Superintendent, and Sunday school teacher. He helped with Awanna and Bible School and enjoyed singing in the church choir at every church he was a member of.

In the fall of 2016 the girls thought it would be best if Pat and Fred would not spend another winter at Lake Summerset because of the cold weather and snow and everything that comes with that. They sold their house and moved to Liberty Village in Freeport which turned out to be a great move.

Fred especially enjoyed his hobby of woodworking, creating handmade furniture. Each of his girls has at least one piece of handmade furniture made from scratch. Sometimes he had a pattern and measurements and sometimes he created the design from pictures and his daughter’s instructions. Sometimes directions came out of his head. Fred also made furniture for himself and Pat in their homes. Fred also enjoyed repairing and sometimes refinishing furniture as well

Fred had a long and happy life. He often said, “I suppose many men would like to have a son. But no man can be happier with his family than I am with a wonderful wife and four wonderful daughters”.

Memorial services will be 11:00 am Saturday June 3, 2023 at Silver Creek Reformed Church, German Valley. Pastor Nora Johnson and Pastor Scott Naevestad will officiate. Visitation will be 9:00 am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Mr. Smith’s memory.