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Fred Wanzek 01/24/2017

Fred Wanzek obitFred Wanzek age 66 of River Falls passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 after a short and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was born the son of Norbert and Elaine (Kalis) Wanzek on January 6, 1951 in Wells, MN.  Fred graduated from Wells High School in 1969 and on August 5, 1972 he married DeDe Nemitz in Redwood Falls, MN.  Fred owned and operated his ServiceMaster business for 35 years serving the western Wisconsin area.  He was a member of St. Bridget Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.  He loved the outdoors and sharing that passion with his children.  His family was very important and his grandchildren were the light of his life.  Fred loved taking trips up to his cabin and the Boundary Waters with family and friends.  He will be missed by his wife, of 44 years, DeDe; children, Nathan (Kelly) Wanzek, Elizabeth (William) DesLauriers, Meghan (Michael) Levine; grandchildren, Baxter and Weston Wanzek, Cora DesLauriers, and baby girl arriving in March; mother, Elaine Wanzek; sisters, Mary Beth (John Smeby) Wanzek, Patricia (Al) Hanzal, Lenore (Mark) Sweers; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Daryl and Ruth Nemitz; in-laws, Cheryl (Scott) Schroeder, Cynthia (Stan) Swierenga, Julie (Allen) Jackson, Kristi (John) Reardon, Bruce (Lori) Nemitz, Mark Nemitz; and nieces, nephews, relatives as well as friends.  He was preceded in death by an infant son, Chad; father, Norbert; and brother-in-law, James Wittwer.  A memorial service was held Monday, January 30, 2017 at 10:30 am at St. Bridget Catholic Church in River Falls.  Memorial visitation was held Sunday, January 29, 2017 from 2-5 pm at St. Bridget Catholic Church and on Monday from 9:30-10:30 am.  Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of River Falls.

 

 

13 Comments

  • Jennifer Speir-Hearn Posted January 26, 2017 12:46 am

    Dear Wanzek Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. A loss too soon of such a loving father and grandfather. JSH

  • Jennifer Speir-Hearn Posted January 26, 2017 12:46 am

    Dear Wanzek Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. A loss too soon of such a loving father and grandfather. JSH

  • Sue (Cummings) Grunzke Posted January 26, 2017 1:03 am

    So sad to hear. I went to St Casimir Catholic School with Fred and then onto Wells Easton High School. You have my prayers, hugs and sympathy. Sue (Cummings) Grunzke

  • Jim Klocek–classmate Posted January 26, 2017 3:10 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with DeDe and her family. I also went to school with Fred all those years also. He was such a great guy. Many a fun times were had with Fred. The whole Wanzek family were a great bunch of people. My sympathy to all of you in your sorrow.

  • JC Posted January 26, 2017 4:31 pm

    Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one, Fred. May you find comfort in the words written at John 6:40, where God promises to bring back to life those we have lost in death by means of a resurrection. In th future He will also completely eliminate our enemy, death.(Revelation 21:4) This gives us the wonderful hope of being reunited with our loved ones, forever. Until then, I hope the memories of Fred and these promises from God comfort you in the days to come.

  • Brian Wanzek Posted January 26, 2017 9:26 pm

    My deepest sympathy to everyone in this loss. Thoughts, hugs, prayers, warm wishes. So sorry.

  • Dave Woeste Posted January 26, 2017 11:08 pm

    My deepest sympathies to the entire family. He was certainly a great man. May he rest in peace.

  • Nancy Lawton-Shirley Posted January 27, 2017 2:29 am

    Sending love and prayers to all….May the sorrow be gently held in the peace of the love you all hold.

  • Marlene Hassing Wegner Class of 1969 Posted January 27, 2017 2:57 am

    So sorry for the loss of your dear husband, father, grandpa,son and brother. I went to K-12 school with Fred and my husband Mike and I were married the same day. Fred was a great guy. May your many wonderful memories bring you comfort and peace. Remembering you in thought, prayers and sympathy.

  • Theresa Ohlemann Posted January 27, 2017 11:34 am

    I am so sorry to hear this. DeDe and family you are in my thoughts and prayers. What I knew of Fred he was quite and always right there to help anyone. You both made family so important . I admired your relationship. God Bless you and give you the extra strength and faith you need at this time ??

  • DANIELLE COSTELLO Posted February 1, 2017 12:32 pm

    Dear Wanzek family – I am sorry that Fred was not able to spend more time with you all before his death. I pray for peace and strength for you family during this time and for years to come. All my best, Danielle, Don and Cathleen Costello

  • Kathleen Weber (Harding) Posted February 3, 2017 12:14 am

    So sorry to hear about Fred’s passing. I went to Catholic school. & High School with him! Great guy! Sympathy goes out to Dede & all family!

  • Ramsey Lee Posted February 3, 2017 2:21 am

    Dear Wanzek family,

    My thoughts and prayers are with you. May the Lord bring you comfort and peace. Fred did good quality work when he had Service Master. Above everything else, he was a great person and family man. When I was little, him and his wife, DeDe, helped take care of me. What a sweet family. Congratulations Fred, you now have wings. Keep up the good work. May God bless the family.

    Ramsey Lee and family

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