Fred spent much of his childhood on the banks of the Big Blue River, where he enjoyed fishing with his cousin, Dick Young. During this period, he developed a deep passion for fishing and hunting.
He graduated from Beatrice High School in 1950. Although he aspired to attend college, financial constraints led him to begin working for the Board of Public Works after high school. His life took a significant turn in 1952 when he was drafted into the military to serve a two-year tour of duty during the Korean War. After basic training, he was nominated for leadership school, where he finished near the top of his class. Stationed in Korea, he had the opportunity to travel throughout Japan, where he cultivated a love for history, travel, politics, and the military. His time in the military forever shaped him as a man and was among his most treasured memories.
Upon his return from Korea, the GI Bill provided Fred with the opportunity to pursue higher education. While no one in his family had previously attended college, he went on to earn three degrees from the University of Nebraska. He obtained a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree in both Economics and Political Science, and finally, a law degree. Fred joined a law firm in Lincoln but eventually decided to start his own practice. He successfully established offices in Lincoln, Beatrice, and Fairbury, transitioning to a plaintiff’s attorney and assisting many clients throughout his career.
Fred’s greatest passion, however, was his family. He was deeply devoted to his wife, Virginia, who was his steadfast companion and the love of his life for over fifty years. He also cherished his children—Katherine, James, Eric, Robert, and Jennifer—and his twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In 1977, he and Virginia moved the family to a wooded acreage in rural Nebraska nestled near the banks of the Big Blue River, just as his childhood had begun. They lived there for 40 years before relocating to Lincoln and eventually Oak Brook, Illinois. Fred imparted his passions for hunting, fishing, and education to his children. He was a fervent supporter of his children’s endeavors, celebrating their achievements with unwavering belief in their potential.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia (Weber); his children, Katherine (Joel) Queck, James (Shelli) Swartz, Eric Swartz, Robert (Wendi) Swartz, and Jennifer (Dan) Kurcz; his sister, Mary Braun; his brother, Clayton Swartz; his twelve grandchildren, Andrea (Austin) Brokamp, Lara (Nolan) Fischer, Zachary Queck, Alexa Swartz, Nathan Swartz, Jenna Swartz, Maddie Swartz, Cole Swartz, Macy Swartz, Hudson Kurcz, Quinn Kurcz, and Parker Kurcz; and his great-grandchildren Mason Brokamp and Emma Brokamp.
His funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Roper & Sons South Lincoln Chapel, at 3950 Hohensee Dr., Lincoln, Nebraska 68516.
Visitation will start at 9 a.m. Burial to follow at 1 p.m. at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery.
All memorials should be made to Wounded Warriors -woundedwarriorproject.org or International Fellowship of Christians and Jews – ifcj.org