Fred Schwarzhans
November 30, 1918 - December 20, 2008
Obituary
FRED SCHWARZHANS
1919-2008
Grandpa was a fire chief who built airplanes. That’s nearly superhero status in the eyes of a grandson.
Fred died peacefully Saturday, December 20, at the age of 89. He loved life but faced death with courage and faith in his loving Heavenly Father. As a young man from Helena, Montana, Fred came to Seattle with the dream of working at Boeing. He lived at Pardee Boarding House where he met the love of his life, 16-year-old Kathleen Morey. They fell in love and married in 1942 at the Seattle A.C. Church.
Fred was an unusual combination of skill and talent. There was nothing he couldn’t fix. He worked on repair projects continually, building many homes for his family—two on Angle Lake, one on Hood Canal. But his biggest source of pride and the best thing he ever built was his family with Katie. They had four children in ten years who gained from their parents a love of life, a sense of humor, a strong work ethic and a steadfast faith in God.
Fred was a mechanic, engineer, tool design supervisor and project chief in the 40+ years he worked at Boeing. He was one of the most sought after AOG members and flew around the world, from Tokyo to Rome, India to London, repairing grounded airplanes.
Fred was also a member of the Angle Lake Fire Department, serving as both Fire Chief and Fire Marshall in his 40 years as a volunteer firefighter. He was named Man of the Year by the Fire Department, an award he received from then-Governor Dan Evans.
Fred is survived by Katie, his loving wife of 66 years, his devoted children and their spouses: Carol Bragg, Marshall, MN; Janet Gary Erford, SeaTac; Sandy Ed Tonseth, Federal Way; and Fred Margaret Schwarzhans, Morris, NY; one sister, Margaret Johnston, of Helena, MT; 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Hannah, four siblings, and son-in-law, Dick Bragg. We look forward to seeing you again, Daddy!
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 28, at 4:00 PM at the West Valley Church, 3212 S. 288th Street, Auburn, WA 98001. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to West Valley Church.
Thinking of you all from your friend Al at Foundation House. Love to the “Mama Mia” Girls from Lori Hendricks, Minnesota and Sheryl Ronald, WA.
I will always remember Fred and Katie as a wonderful part of the Erford family experience.
My deepest sympathy during this difficult time. It is hard to lose a dad, but a blessing to know you will see him again.
God bless you all.
Barbara Brennan Wu
Dear family of Fred’s.
We know there isn’t much we can say or do to ease the pain you feel right now, but our hearts are with you. He was such a talented and nice guy. We know that lives on in all of you. In the few times I had to chat with him, I could tell he had done it all and really wanted to help everyone with his knowledge and experience. He was a kind and descent man. I wish I knew just a fraction of the stuff he knew or could see just a glimpse of his world. I think Fred was the same way for you. If he has taught you 1/10th of what he knew you’re lucky people. He obviously did something right. Look how you all turned out. He certainly was a lucky guy to have the family he has, and you were lucky to have had him as a leader in it.
With sympathy,
Your friends,
Terri and Neil Hawdon
A man among men! I cannot count the many ways he touched my life. I have calculated that we spent parts of at least 3,000 days together over 47 years. What a wise Christlike man! I love him and all of us will share life with him in the new heavens and new earth!!!
Dear Schwarzhans family,
Margaret and I count it a privilege to have kown Fred and Katie and all the family. Fred was a fine loving Christian man who communicated Christ’s love to all who knew him. Please know that we are praying for you at this time and grieve with you but not as those who have no hope. May God’s comfort sustain you dear friends at this time.
In Christian love,
Harold and Margaret Broman