Birth date: Nov 22, 1923 Death date: Jul 13, 2024
Fred A. Stecher, 100, passed away July 13, 2024 in Fayetteville with his loving family at his side. He was born on November 22, 1923 in Columbus, Ohio. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Clara Stecher, his wi Read Obituary
Sending my sincere condolences to the family. Such an esteemed and honorable man who touched so many. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you.
Does Molly Maguire ring a funny bell? Loved Fred the Fisherman, Fred the friendly guy and appreciate sharing some of his family time as the Daughter he never knew he had!! 😘😘
So sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. I am so happy that my Mother and my brother were able to spend some time with him just recently. I will always remember Fred’s smile. Love and Prayers to his family 🙏🏻
Fred's close Cousin Wayne Shaner (my Dad) and Fred's sister Alma grew up together on their tiny boyhood farm near Etna, OH. Whenever we'd get together with Fred and Catherine, Fred would invariably reminisce with Wayne about fishing for bluegills with their cane poles in Paw-Paw Creek and hunting for squirrels with their single-shot .22 rifle at Warners Woods and playing in the snow with their Airedale dog, Dale.
Later, they both enlisted in WW2 and Fred was dispatched to Europe with the Army Air Corps and his Cousin Wayne to the Pacific with the Navy.
Though they grew up in the Great Depression, but you'd never know it to hear them talk about their love of small-town American and their formative experience on a tiny farm - both of them pursuing future careers in agriculture.
Wayne and I had the trip of a lifetime, traveling by train to visit with Fred and Catherine in May, 2017. The five of us enjoyed an actual trolly ride and - at Fred's suggestion - old-fashioned cherry sodas in Fort Worth.
A "mountain top" experience awaited us when we all 5 traveled to "Mount Magazine" for lunch on a spectacular Spring Day. Following lunch, we toured about in our rental car and stopped to gaze at the unforgettable scenery. I will always treasure the photo I snapped of Fred, Catherine, and my Dad.
While all 3 are physically gone, Fred, Catherine, and Wayne have left an enduring legacy as they touched hundreds of people with their generosity, humility, openness, honesty and - utmost of all - their integrity.
A part of their sprits continue to live in all who knew them.
And while they would be too humble to accept it, they truly are of "America's Greatest Generation." -Jack Shaner
My uncle Fred, an amazing man. I did not spend much time with Fred but every time I heard someone talk about him, he was always taking care of and serving others. I did have the opportunity to go and visit him last month in a retirement home and in hospice care. I was surprised to find Fred not in bed feeling sorry for himself, but up and about in the retirement community helping , serving, and caring for others. He was known by almost everyone there and much loved. It seems to me He has left this earth and has gone to be with Jesus the way I would hope to go. A loving husband, and father, and friend to many. Fred lived the life that Christ called all who believe in Him to live.
Jeff Weaver
I will always remember my brother as a kind and courageous man who enjoyed life to the fullest. I am so thankful and blessed that I was able to visit him last month.
Fred would come by our Veteran service office and tell stories and more often than not just light up the room with his passion for fellow veterans and his kind words. Fred was a living legend! He will be missed and we are better people for knowing him. I had the pleasure t send him to New Orleans to the WW2 museum with his son in law, he came back with some great stories! Fair Wins and following seas!
