December 1939 – July 21, 2022
On Thursday, July 21, 2022, Frederick Wayne Fowler, husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and loving friend, died at the age of 82.
Fred was born in December 1939 in Niles, Michigan, as the firstborn of Elsie and Philip. After graduating from high school in northern Indiana, he joined the Navy. Returning home after spending time at sea, Fred began a lifelong career with the United States Postal Service. He became a Niles City icon at the Niles Post Office for over 38 years. As a husband, he built a home with his wife Helen and created in his family a legacy of service to country and love for knowledge in all they touched. As a bonus father, he positively influenced the lives of two teenagers into adulthood and raised a daughter. When needed, he and his wife Helen stepped in and raised grandchildren for their children serving in the military.
Fred was passionate about the US Navy, stamps, sports, and birdwatching. His love for the US Navy was passed on to his sons and grandsons, who joined the US Navy. His passion for philately led him to meet his wife at a meeting of the philatelic club. They eventually started a business and joined a tribe of close friends and philatelists from around the world. They were known to take their grandchildren to stamp shows around the country. He passed on his love of basketball and other sports to his daughter, who passed it on to her grandson. Family members and friends spent many times with Fred at the kitchen table, watching the birds and other animals at the feeder. Fred was known for his infinite knowledge from his constant reading, his unwavering reliability and his strong positions on many subjects, which he defended with his family and friends. But, above all, his smile and kind greetings at the Niles post office window will be remembered forever.
Fred was predeceased by his father, Philip, his mother, Elsie, his brother, Richard, his sister Theresa Johnson and his stepdaughter Lisa Anttila. To honor Fred’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. We are creating a living tribute to celebrate his life and allow his legacy to live on. Anyone can submit short video/audio messages of memories and/or photo(s) at https://www.tribute.co/fred-fowler/.
The final tribute video will be available for viewing after August 20 at rockestercremationservicesmn.com/obituaries/.
