FREDERICK BIRMELE

Fred’s life began Nov. 20, 1930, on the family farm in Watervliet. He loved being a part of the Watervliet community.

After high school he enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country. While in the Navy he was a radar technician and was on their boxing and baseball teams. Upon returning home Fred went to work for Producers Creamery and then Central Transport until retirement. Fred loved coaching baseball and softball in earlier years, today you could find him enjoying gardening. Fred was very proud of being a baptized Christian and member of Church of Christ in South Haven.

Fred’s greatest joy was spending time with his family which includes: his wife of 67 years, Carol (Yingling) Birmele; his two children, Lori Birmele and Kurt Birmele; two grandchildren, Jamie Lynn Kirby (Andrew) Crews and Tony (Alicia) Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.

Fred died Saturday, Aug. 14, at home.

His parents, Theodore and Irene Birmele, and two brothers, Ted Birmele and Ed Birmele, precede Fred in death.

Funeral service for Fred will be celebrated Tuesday, Aug. 17, at 1 p.m. with visitation prior starting at 11 a.m. at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Burial will follow in Fairview Memorial Cemetery in Watervliet. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Fred’s family at hutchinsfuneral.com.