Fred Wertz

We are truly heartbroken to hear of Fred's passing. He was a staple here at the building and was always ready with his kindness, wit and stories. We will miss him and always remember our time here with him. LeeAnn, Sara, John and Larry.

So sorry for your loss. I will pray for your family during this difficult time. A long while ago I shared a story with Fred that had been a scene in a movie, it might have been a Pink Panther Movie. (All in a French accent.) One man asks another man, "Does your dog bite?" "No! My dog does not bite!" The first man reaches to pet the dog and gets bitten! He says, "You said your dog did not bite!" "Sir! That is not my dog!" Needless to say, Fred thought that was very funny. Whenever he saw me with our dog T.J. He would ask me, "Does your dog bite?" (Of course, he used a French accent.) We both laughed every time.

Fred was an amazing husband. He lit up when he looked at Eleanor. He told so many lovely stories about your family. Eleanor, kids and grandkids- He loved you all so much and was glowing with pride at the mention of you.

Memorable tidbits about Fred and Eleanor: 1. Fred was proud of the fact that Eleanor, with no qualms, would frequently tackle Jersey-to-Manhattan traffic to pick up Fred from work in New York City. 2. As an assistant to the governor of North Dakota, Fred sometimes flew in coach class with him to meetings around the country. One time Fred found himself pinch hitting for the governor at a briefing because the governor had been called out of the room. 3. Fred believed that, once you learn to handle a job, it’s time to move on to something new (a new position or a new work setting). His orientation: Staying in the same job too long can make you stale. 4. Eleanor manually typed Fred’s thesis with no typos and no white outs while he took time away from work to attend the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. 5. At one time, Fred worked as a chef for a down-and-out local restaurant. The financially-strapped owner paid Fred by check, but Fred never cashed them. 6. For years, Eleanor was a church organist. 7. Upon getting a job in the strip-mining coal business in North Dakota, Fred also obtained a job for Eleanor as a nursing instructor at a local college, which hired her sight-unseen (just on his recommendation because she had not yet relocated). 8. Fred provided horn power for a band while in college. He was also in charge of the group’s finances. He admits the band make very little money – years later realizing that fact may have been a reflection of how well they played. 9. Eleanor taught a class about memory loss for the residents of the Madison Senior Centers and, not long after, remarked that she was having trouble remembering her favorite recipe she was preparing for Metro Place neighbors Pat and Paul. 10. During his retirement in Madison, Fred was an avid gardener with a plot near the UW’s grad-school apartments and coached ESL students at the center next to The Old Fashioned on the Capitol Square. 11. With a generous donation to The Overture Center for the Arts, Fred secured box seats for four to concerts that were accessible and convenient for Eleanor as well as for occasional guests with special mobility needs. 12. Fred avoided telling others about his personal problems, pointing out that people have ample concerns of their own (so why burden them with additional “downers”?). 13. Always curious about obscure facts, Fred was intrigued when his and Eleanor’s exercise instructor at the Capitol Lakes pool divulged that the level of chlorine smell in a public pool is directly related to the amount of urine kids leave behind in the water. We'll miss you, Fred (and your stories). Jim & Pam Hasse Metropolitan Place neighbors

Fred Wertz was a great man. After I had lost my own father due to a heart attack, Fred was like a Dad to me, when I was married to his son Ray; he and Eleanor always made me feel like one of their own kids, and they both were so giving and generous to a fault. I will never forget Fred's (and Eleanor's) kindness during those years Ray and I were married. Fred will be deeply missed. Suzanne Boston

Fred Wertz, a great man.