Fred Doepke

Fred “Fritz” Doepke, 86, of Rib Mountain , died Monday, August 4, 2008 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital .

Fred was born October 29, 1921 in Wausau to the late Fred Sr. and Celia (Meuret) Doepke. He graduated high school in Wausau and continued to live in Rib Mountain throughout his life on the family farm. The family farm started with Fred’s grandfather, Carl Doepke, in 1893 and became a century farm in 1993 two generations later. In his earlier years, Fred was a dairy farmer and later he turned to beef farming. He also raised deer and turkeys. He was a unique, one-of-a-kind person known to have friends from all walks of life. Fred acted as the Fire Warden of Rib Mountain for over fifty-seven years. In his free time, he was an avid sports fan enjoying all of Wisconsin ’s teams and an avid outdoors sportsman, enjoying hunting and fishing. Throughout his life, Fred was a member and firm supporter of St. Paul ’s United Church of Christ.

Fred is survived by his sisters, Doris Erickson and Janet (Bill) Huntington; nieces, Marge Erickson-Ongna, Patti (Steve) Schnieder, and Karen (David) Baur; nephews, Fred Decker III, Gary (Shelley) Decker, and Clark Erickson; several great-nieces and one great nephew. He is also survived by his special friends, Charlene Krueger, Mike Matsick, and Mark Graveen; and his best buddy, his dog, Tyler. Fred is preceded in death by his sister, Ellen Decker; brother-in-law, Ogden Erickson and Fred Decker Jr.; and his special friend, Mabel Fritz.

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Thursday, August 7, 2008 at St. Paul ’s United Church of Christ, Wausau . Rev. Mary Kay Sauter will be officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Thursday and last until the time of the funeral at the church. There will be a private family burial at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin – Doepke Park at 500 3 ^rd Street, Suite 310 , Wausau WI , 54403 . Donations are tax deductible.