Fred Marvin Chelcun

LODI- Fred M. Chelcun, age 89, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 11, 2017, at Agrace HospiceCare, Fitchburg WI, with his loving daughter Karen at his side. Fred was born on April 28, 1927, in Chicago IL, to the late Wasil and Agafia Chelcun. He graduated from Lane Tech College Prep High School in January 1945, and was drafted into the United States Army in July of the same year. Fred proudly served his country stationed in Germany, Austria, and The United States. Following his military service, Fred returned to Chicago and attended Wright Jr. College for 1 year and went on to accept a Mechanical Engineer apprenticeship with Illinois Tool Works. Here, Fred met his first love Elaine Kuck. They married in 1950, raising their 4 children in Lincolnwood IL, in a home that Fred designed and built himself. Fred had a successful career spanning the years holding positions of Tool Designer, Production Engineer, and Plant Manager with several different employers. Fred retired in 1993, settling in to his Lake House in Okee, WI. Fred was a devoted family man, and by purchasing "The Cottage" in Okee in 1968, he provided many years of fun and adventure for his family and friends.  Fred and Elaine enjoyed 32 years of marriage, until her death in 1982. As fate would have it, and assisted by a personal ad in the Shopper Stopper, Fred was thrilled to find a second love in his life when he met Beverly Wagner. They married in 1987, and Fred embraced her family as his own. Fred and Bev enjoyed 29 fun-filled years together, until Beverly's death in August 2016. Fred lived his life each and every day with honesty and integrity. His devotion to his family and many friends, along with his unconditional love and support to them will always be remembered. Fred was always known for his sense of humor and incredible quick wit, always being first to the punch line. As a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, Fred was never one to give up on anything, always showing optimism for good things to come. In 2016 Fred enjoyed the long awaited Chicago Cubs World Series Championship with his kids and grandkids. Fred was also actively involved in local politics, and served on the Town of Lodi Building Committee and as Commissioner of the Okee Sanitary District, always willing to lend a helping hand when called upon. Along with his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his first wife, Elaine; second wife, Beverly; brother, Nick; sister, Mary Kubinski and son, Greg. Fred leaves to cherish his memory his loving family; children, Cindy (Greg) of Wallingford CT, Gary (Sandy) of Estes Park CO, Karen (Danny) Schreiber of Madison WI and Ken (Suzie) of Huntersville NC; grandchildren, Daniel (Anne) Crawford, Joseph (Anne) Crawford, Brian Chelcun, Johanna (Tom) D'Addario, Luke Chelcun, Dane Chelcun and Nash Chelcun; great-grandchildren, Joey and Addison; Beverly's children, LaVonne Wagner, James (Julie) Wagner and Richard (Sharon) Wagner; step-grandchildren, Mark, Katherine, Anna, Elizabeth and Chad and many other relatives and friends. The family will receive friends for visitation on Tuesday January 17, 2017 from 10 am-12 pm at GUNDERSON LODI FUNERAL HOME, 157 S Main St., Lodi WI. A funeral service will follow with Pastor Scott Larson officiating. Interment with military honors will be at Mount Emblem Cemetery, 520 E Grand Ave., Elmhurst IL on Wednesday January 18, 2017 at 11 am. Procession to gravesite will begin at Main Office. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Badger Honor Flight Wisconsin, PO Box 258066, Madison WI 53725 or Agrace HospiceCare Foundation, 5395 E Cheryl Pkwy, Madison WI 53711. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Lodi Funeral & Cremation Care 157 S. Main Street (608)592-3201