Frederick Joseph Ferenc

FERENC, Frederick J. Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 19, 2014 at age 81. He was born in Kalamazoo Michigan on September 10, 1932 to the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Dobrik) Ferenc, Hungarian immigrants. He served in the United States Army Signal Corp during the Korean conflict and participated in Operation Desert Rock, an air drop of an atomic bomb in Nevada during the beginning of the cold war in 1953. He was employed by Michigan Bell Telephone Company for 33 years as a Special Service Technician and at the Upjohn Company as a data technician for five years, retiring in 1988. He was a 15-year board member of the Kalamazoo District Federal Bell Credit Union, a member of the American Legion Post in Grand Junction, MI and was a Master Mason of Free and Accepted Masons of the Bloomingdale chapter. Fred had a love for collecting and restoring antique cars, doing much of the mechanical work himself. He was an accomplished musician playing the dobro and lap steel guitars. Fred was loved by all, leaving behind his gift of humor. Survivors include his four children, Kathy (Russ) Minehart of Plainwell, Mike (Shawn) Ferenc of Huzzy Lake, Steve (Suzanne) Ferenc of Lake Wales, Florida and Beckie Bower of Kalamazoo; nine grandchildren, Joe Powell, Emily Powell, Jeffrey Minehart, Brittany Ferenc, Alexandra Ferenc, Justine Billante, Stephanie Harper, Mark Ferenc and Caitlin Bower; and two great-grandchildren, Alana Billante and Kane Duncan. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mrs. Betty Houseman. Cremation has taken place. Per his wishes, there will be no visitation, but a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to Loaves and Fishes, 901 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 or a charity of your choice. Please visit Fred's personal memory page at www.avinkcremation.com where you may sign his guest book and archive a favorite memory or photo.