FRED KOCH-SCHULTE

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FRED KOCH-SCHULTE It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden death of our loving husband and father Fred on May 21, 2004. He died while doing what he loved, farming at the family homestead in Petersfield, MB. Fred had just celebrated his 59th birthday with friends and neighbours. He will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife of 34 years, Brenda; daughters, Sarah of New York City and Andrena (fiance Richard Youdell) of Courtenay, BC; and son John currently living in Bangkok, Thailand. Also mourning are his brother Joe (Rosemarie) of Petersfield; sister Ruth of Ottawa; and nephews, Rolf, Michael (Diane) and Joe of Winnipeg. Mourning also are extended family in England, Germany and Canada. He was predeceased by parents, Joseph and Clara. Fred was born on May 15, 1945 and spent most of his life farming in Petersfield. He attended the two-room schoolhouse in Petersfield, then Selkirk for high school, followed by the University of Manitoba where he earned a BSc in Chemistry (1967). He then taught adult education, his first assignment being Peguis Reserve where he met and married fellow teacher Brenda Wilson in 1970. He returned to Petersfield to take over the family farm and continued both teaching and farming for about six years. His second assignment was principal of a F.R.E.D. project trailer modular school in Fisher Branch for one winter, and then teaching in East Selkirk and the Selkirk Comprehensive High School. He worked as a building inspector for a government program before turning to full-time mixed cattle, hog and grain farming. Fred was recognized as a top twenty hog producer in the 1980s. In 1995 he downsized the farming operation and continued to both grain farm in summer, and travel in the winter, until the present time. He was involved in many community activities, including curling. Fred also served a term on the local planning board, and was a founding board member of the Selkirk and District Foundation. His loves were for family, farming and community. He had an abiding interest in world affairs and politics. He enjoyed theatre, CBC radio and off-the-beaten-path travel in North America, Europe, Africa and South-East Asia. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. He had a great many talents and he was an excellent carpenter. Fred built several barns and a house addition along with many other woodworking projects. He loved nature, animals and walking on the farm property, seeking deer, raccoons and eagles, which are in abundance. He had some skirmishes with skunks too. Fred showed his love and support for Brenda and his children in many ways. He supported them in their endeavours and educational pursuits. He could always be relied upon for encouragement. Fred was a very energetic, fit and fun person, who was loved by all. You died too young. There should have been more harvests to reap and continents to discover. You will be missed, Fred. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 29 at 10:30 a.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk. Viewing will be held one hour prior to service time. Cremation will follow the service and a private family interment will be held at a later date in Petersfield. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to the Selkirk and District Community Foundation, Box 5000 Selkirk, MB R1A 2M2. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk, in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 27, 2004