Fred Gunther Geschwendt, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend crossed over into eternity and into the loving arms of Jesus on July 30, 2012 at Medicine Hat Hospital at the age of 84.
Born to Hugo & Elizabeth Geschwendt October 10, 1927 in Vulcan Alberta. Fred was the only son, but he had an older sister Betty Roebuck, and a younger sister Melita Therrien. Fred received all his schooling in rural country schools and attended Olds College at the age of 16. He returned to the family farm and took it over at the age of 19. Fred loved to farm and farmed his entire life. Fred also enjoyed working with cattle and heading down to the coulees to hang out with the cows and their calves on a summer’s night.
Fred was the loving husband of 64 years to Marmie of Champion, loving father of daughter Sherry (Jeff) Copenhaver of Granbury,Texas and their daughter Shandy (Cody) Stromberg, son Rick (Venita) Geschwendt of Champion and their children Meghan, Brittany, Cole and Jarred Geschwendt, 2 great-grandchildren Chloe and Heidi Stromberg, sister Melita (Ed) Therrien of Kelowna, B.C. and numerous nieces and nephews. Fred was predeceased by his parents Hugo and Elizabeth Geschwendt, and sister and brother-in-law Betty and John Roebuck.
Fred truly enjoyed spending his entire lifetime in the Champion area and being involved in the community. He served on the Champion Congregational Church board. He was a founding director of the Sunshine Gas Co-op, and served 25 straight years. Fred also thoroughly enjoyed being a member of the Champion Lions Club for 50 plus years.
Fred lived a good and long life, and if you were to ask him if he could live it over again what would he change, he would say that he was content in the life he had and the choices he made. Fred enjoyed the fall season of his life golfing, playing pool at the Senior’s center, annual trips to Fairmont Hot Springs, and he took great delight in his grandkids. He enjoyed spending time and sharing stories with them.
Funeral service were held on Thursday, August 2, 2012 at 2:00 pm at the Champion Community Hall with Pastor David Skinner officiating.
Interment Champion Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, tributes in Fred’s memory may be made to the Champion Lions Club, Box 179, Champion, AB T0L 0R0 or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home.
Dear Marmie & All Your family,
My sympathies to you and all your family on the loss of Fred. He was a wonderful person and great friend to me. When I saw you folks at Jean Ann’s celebration of life service you both looked so well and I was thankful for your presents there. Sorry I can’t be there today as I have other appointments. Again my deepest sympathies.
Ted Hartung
Dear Marmion and family,
I extend my sincere sympathy to all of you.
When I saw you and Fred a couple of months ago at Audrey Vaile’s funeral, you both looked so well.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
June(McAlister) Fekete
Dear Marmie, Sherry, Rick, and families …….
It was with shock and real sadness that I learned of Fred’s sudden passing. He was always so well and active that he seemed far younger than his 84 years … it is hard to believe that he is gone.
To all of you I extend my sincere sympathy. Fred was a wonderful husband – a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was a good neighbour and a friend to all.
I will remember Fred for his strong work ethic, for his friendly smile and constant good humor, and for his love of family, farm, community, and church. He always had time for his friends and he and Marmie were always so hospitable and thoughtful of others.
Fred will be very much missed by all of us but he will also be long be remembered with great affection!
In sympathy and friendship –
Marvin Maronda
Lomond Alberta