Frederick C. Muermann

Frederick C. Muermann, 90 of Chetek, passed away July 9, 2013 at Knapp Haven Nursing Home in Chetek, Wisconsin. .

Frederick was born July 17, 1922 in Chetek, Wisconsin.  The son of Carl and Pearl Muermann, he is survived by Delores Peterson Muermann his wife of 66 years and four children: Son  Frederick (Freddy) and his wife Sarah (Carbine), and their children Carolyn Tobin, husband John, and daughter Isabelle, Frederick (Rick) Muermann and his daughter Ella, Elizabeth (Beth) Girga, husband Kevin and three children Nicholas, William, and Andrew; and three daughters Ann Casebolt; Sue Mallow, her husband Randy and their children Joshua and Brittany; and Mary Jo Schindelholz, her husband Mark, and their children Eric and fiancé Mara Shedd, Kelli English, her husband Brian, and son Jackson; and Michael and his wife Anna. He is also survived by seven siblings: Norma Nielsen, Burnett Muermann, William Muermann, Loretta Wold, Betty Newman, Donna Rhine, and Gary Muermann.

Fred served with the 28 ^th Division in World War II.  During his service he was wounded and received the purple heart.  After discharge from the service, he attended vocational school in Eau Claire and returned to Chetek to marry Delores.  He and his uncle built the home that Delores and Fred would live in for almost 60 years. He retired in 1980 from Northern States Power Company. He also spent many years as a volunteer fireman for the city of Chetek.

He was well known for his award-winning gardening, having won the Guinnes record in 1988 for the tallest corn stalk, and numerous local and regional awards for large pumpkins and large onions.  His Guinnes record led to the opportunities to be in national commercials for Miracle Grow, working with James Whitmore.  In addition to his gardening, he loved to bowl, play horseshoes, fish, and hunt.  Those who knew Fred will remember when a moose charged and fell on him when he was hunting with his father and brothers in Canada.

Many people benefited from Fred’s gardening expertise.  He was generous with the produce from his own garden and was always available for gardening advice.  When Fred was no longer able to do the things that he loved, his (and Delores’) generosity was returned by the numbers of people who brought them the fruits of their labors. They often commented, “Fred was always bringing us something from his garden.”

We will remember Fred as a man of few words, but always having a twinkle in his eye.  A lifelong resident of Chetek, Fred gave to his community in multiple ways.  He will be missed by so many who respected and loved him.

Funeral Service will be held Monday July 15, 2013 at 11 A.M. at Chetek Lutheran Church.  The family will be greeting visitors on Sunday, July 14, 2013 from 4-7 P.M. at Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Family Funeral Home in Chetek and again one hour prior to the service at church on Monday.

Frederick will be laid to rest at Lake View Cemetery in Chetek following the funeral service.  The Chetek American Legion, Post 179 will render Military Honors.   Pallbearers will be grandchildren: Rick Muermann, John Tobin, Kevin Girga, Josh Mallow, Brian English, Michael Schindelholz and Eric Schindelholz.

Frederick’s family would like to invite their guests to join them for fellowship and lunch following the service at the R-Bar.

The Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.