Ferdinand "Fred" Andes

Ferdinand “Fred” Andes, 86, of Slinger, passed away on Wednesday, August 22, 2018, at his home.

Fred was born on January 22, 1932, in Yugoslavia, the son of the late Johann and Sophie (nee Heppenstiel). He departed from Bremerhaven, Germany and arrived in New York in 1952 and taught himself the English language. Upon arriving in the U.S. Fred lived in multiple places at first but settled down in Milwaukee and eventually moved to Slinger with his family in 1964 where he lived the remainder of his life. Fred spent his working years as a union painter and also had a love for animals and a farm to care for them all.  He was still able to care for his coop full of chickens up until his final day. Watching his grandchildren enjoying his pool and yard and taking them on golf cart rides when they were younger were happy times for him. Some of his favorite times were spent dancing with Marie and enjoying the company of their friends. He had an amazing green thumb, there was no plant he couldn’t grow or bring back to life after others had failed.  He instilled in his sons a strong work ethic and the value of a hard day’s work.  Fred experienced physical hardships during the final years of his life, however, only those closest to him knew the pain he felt and through it all he remained amazingly active.  He had an incredible strength and endurance that you don’t often see.

Those Fred leaves behind to cherish his memory include his three sons, John (special friend Judy Leek) Andes, Ronald Andes, and Jeffrey (Janine) Andes; seven grandchildren, Megan, Samantha, Caleb, Colby, Sophie, Kylie, and Johnny; his long time dear friend of 24 years, Marie Koepke; a brother, Johann (Darlene) Andes; a sister, Anneliese Johnson; a sister-in-law, Monika Andes; nephew, Todd (Loree) Andes; niece, Andrea (Quinn) Andes Spilsbury; and other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by a brother, Adolf Andes and a sister, Rosemarie Andes.

Fred’s family will greet relatives and friends at the Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home, 15 S. Walnut Street, in Mayville from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 1, 2018. A graveside service will follow the visitation at Graceland Cemetery in Mayville.

The Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Home has been entrusted with Fred’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com