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Frederick T. Aker

Frederick T. Aker

ESCANABA — After living with Fred for 52 years, I find it necessary to pass along the fact that he was a man of very few words who treated everyone equally. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, especially fishing and hunting, stock car races, country music and westerns. His favorite time of the year was deer season, when he could meet up with his brothers and good buddies at deer camp, never failing to bring home a buck every year. He never complained even when dealing with illness from COPD the past several years.

He was born Feb. 7,1949 to Michael and Violet (Menard) Aker. He attended school in Wells and Escanaba Senior High. While growing up, he worked on a local farm and Ely’s Potato Chips. Fred enlisted in the Army at age 17 and served with the 2nd Battalion 37th Armored division in Europe. Upon his honorable discharge, he began employment two days later at Harnischfeger Corp. He finished his senior year at Adult High School and attended classes for two years at Bay de Noc College for welding, electric engines and auto body repair.

After Harnischfeger’s closure, he worked for Northern Motor Rebuilders and Cloverland Manufacturing, the railroad, with temporary jobs at City of Escanaba and a local garage.

Fred was preceded in death by his father, Michael Aker; mother, Violet; brothers, Mike and Leo (Carol) Aker; and sisters, Shirley, Clara (Carl Sederberg), Mary Alice (Don Akerley); brothers-in-law, Carl Sederberg, Don Akerley, and Larry Wise; and granddaughters, Destiny Ann and Angel Ann Aker.

He is survived his wife, Ruth (Wise); son, Robert; grandsons, Dustin and Adam Aker and Dylan and Drake Grenier; granddaughter, Brittany Proehl; brothers, Richard (Carol) and Don (Christine); brothers-in-law George, John (Janet), Patrick, Michael (Denise) and Joseph Wise; and sister-in-law, Barbara (Larry) Seipel, Jean Wise, Mary (Terry) Kohls and Ann Kelly (Bob); and several nephews and nieces.

Fred appreciated the special people in his life that took the time and made the effort to visit him when he couldn’t get out to spend time with them.

The morning of July 8, while taking a nap, Fred passed away peacefully.

A funeral mass will be held on Aug. 10 at 11 a.m. at the families parish, St. Thomas at 1820 9th Ave N. in Escanaba with a luncheon to follow.

Cremation has taken place, and a graveside service will be at a later date at the family’s convenience.