Fred Daniels, age 80, passed away quietly in his home with son, Patrick, and grandson, Alex, at his side soon after an episode of MASH.
Fred was born on November 11, 1941 to Frederick Sr. and Rose (Fearn) Daniels in Cranston, Rhode Island. He grew up in a rural setting with his two brothers, Bobby and Alan, and his sister, Dottie. After high school, he joined the US Army and was sent to West Germany where he married Hildegard Klein and returned to the USA with a son and two daughters. He later served in Vietnam and earned several honors including a Purple Heart.
His maintenance jobs in the army led to other similar positions post-military. He took these practical skills and formed his own company, “Ameratech Spray Finishing,” which he ran until his retirement.
Fred was always first to help those whose skills fell short and saved many from plumbing disasters and self-inflicted car repairs. He was a mentor to several. He was also fiercely independent. The day before he died, he joked with the hospice nurses and commented that his failing health was “just a minor setback.”
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Hildegard, and is survived by his children: Patrick, Rose-Marie, Doreen; his brother Bob; 7 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, May 16 at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 675 W Baptist Rd, Colo Spgs, CO 80921. A reception will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Fisher House Foundation (https://fisherhouse.org) to help military families in need.