Frederick Lavern Edwards 9942499
Fred Edwards: Husband, Father, Brother, Son, friend to all. This page is to share photos and memories of Fred. He is missed by his family.
Bloomington, WI
Frederick L. “Fred” Edwards age 77 of Bloomington passed away unexpectedly Sunday, December 23, 2012 at the Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster, WI. He was born December 3, 1935 in Ismay, MT the son of Victor and Elsie (Hatten) Edwards.
Fred was a graduate of the Bloomington High School class of 1953. In 1955 he joined the U.S. Navy and served until 1959.
On July 27, 1963, he married the love of his life, Katherine Reed, at the United Methodist Church in Prairie du Chien. They made their lifelong home in Bloomington where they raised their family.
Upon release from his Naval service, he began working at John Deere Company in Dubuque, Iowa. His first position was as an inspector and after various factory assignments, he was appointed to supervision in 1968 where he oversaw many different departments. In 1974 Fred became a General Supervisor until his retirement in 1986. Fred loved his time at John Deere and said it was a privilege to work for such a great company.
In 1973, Fred and Kathy bought the family farm which was homesteaded in 1843 by his great, great, grandfather Benjamin Hudson.
During his retirement years, Fred drove school bus for Bloomington/River Ridge school district. He was able to spend his time doing the things he loved. In his younger years, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was able to attend all of his daughters’ sporting events and activities throughout the years.
He and Kathy enjoyed traveling in their “Dutch Star”, and were proud of having visited all 50 States. Fred was a member of the American Legion and will be missed by his friends at “The Office”. Fred also served on the Bloomington Volunteer Fire Department from 1964 through 1986.
Fred was a man who was devoted to his family and friends. He was always willing
to help anyone at anytime. He had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh.
. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kathy Edwards of Bloomington, daughters, Shelly (Rand) Olsen of Queen Creek, AZ, Lisa (Dan Hoffman) Edwards of Mt. Hope, WI and Jessica (David) Hermsen of Lancaster, grandchildren Nick (Chree) Klein, Shannen, Lexi and Elise Olsen, Cora Halverson, Ava, Zachary and Jonathan Hermsen, sisters, Jean (Robert) Sherman of Powell, WY and Joyce (Dean) Riechers of Darlington, WI along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 1:00 PM at the United Methodist Church of Bloomington, WI with Rev. Mary Ann Floerke officiating. A private family inurnment will be at a later date. Friends may call at the church on Saturday, December 29, 2012 from 10:00 AM until the time of services. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established to be distributed to some of Fred’s favorite charities. The Garrity Funeral Home of Prairie du Chien is assisting the family. www.garrityfuneralhome.com