Frederick William Wack
December 12, 1946 ~ July 9, 2020
Frederick William Wack, age 73, of Concord, Ohio, went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 9, 2020. He was born on December 12, 1946, in Canton, Ohio, the son of Floyd W. Wack and Bertha A. (McGee) Wack.
Confident of God’s goodness and the sure promises of God’s Word, Fred faced his battle with an aggressive bile duct cancer complicated by heart failure with joyous anticipation of his glorious trip to Heaven—that blessed place His Savior Jesus Christ has promised to all believers. Fred’s final goal was that his death would bring God the glory He deserves (Revelation 4:11). Both he and his wife Connie were thankful that God granted them the blessing of spending their final days at the home they built together in Concord as they await the ultimate adventures of their lives in Heaven, a city whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10).
Fred earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science from The Ohio State University in 1969, one of the first five students to earn that degree from the OSU College of Engineering, and spent his professional career pursuing state-of-the-art technologies. An innovative thinker, he loved exploring how things work and developing innovative strategies to improve their design.
Affectionately known as Friendly Freddie or Fix-it Freddie, he demonstrated a compassionate servant’s heart in reaching out to help others in his family, church and community as a friend, elder, teacher, technology consultant, and handyman.
Fred is survived by his wife of 51 years Connie K. (Sell) Wack, his daughter Diana R. Williams (Scott D.), five grandchildren (Jeffrey, Danielle, Katrina, Nathan, and Rachel Williams), and his sister Carol Ann Lewis (Larry L.) of West Palm Beach, Florida.
Besides his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his two sons, Jeffrey Charles and Daniel Stephen, and his sister Eileen L. Kenney (Larry R).
Desiring to make a difference for God’s glory not only by his life, but also by his death, Fred has donated his body to The Ohio State University College of Medicine to help future medical professionals understand and appreciate the intricacies of the human body, one of God’s most awesome masterpieces.
No services are currently planned. Memorial gifts may be made to the Leroy Community Chapel, 12920 Painesville-Warren Rd., Painesville, OH 44077, or Mentor Christian School, 8600 Lake Shore Blvd. Mentor, OH 44060.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Grandpa Freddie will always have a special place in our hearts. I love the picture you chose of him–it captures him perfectly. He challenged us with thought-provoking Sunday school classes. He helped us by blowing insulation in our walls and then cutting out perfect circles to patch all the holes. He made the most gigantic bonfire I've ever seen for a Sunday school picnic. He amazed us with the breadth of his knowledge and skills. He gave us an example of grace and perseverance and faith in the face of great adversity. I'm thankful for him and that God let us have a chance to know him. May God comfort your hearts as you grieve your loss and rejoice in his great gain.
I was around 9 when Fred started to become a part of my life. It was pretty cool to know a pilot who flew over my house! He was the only one who called me “Leen” making me feel special even way back then. Seeing his talents in building a TV, camper, and wiring the curtains to open and close at the push of a button were also impressive! Visits to the house in Concord as my kids were growing up were always full of adventures: picnics, tractor rides, bonfires, balloon drops, and getting snowed in over New Year's -twice. As a frequent client of Friendly Freddie’s FREE Fix It Services in more recent years, I can attest to Fred’s caring and servant heart. Fred was at the ready for all my calls for help: From replacing my garbage disposal to doing my taxes; chauffeuring me to Columbus on icy winter roads late at night when Leah had a health emergency weeks after Todd’s death; accompanying me to various meetings with attorneys and Social Security; cutting up a 30 foot section of tree that an ice storm took down one Christmas morning; shopping, purchasing and setting up my computer; and at my request of making Todd’s van equipped with a handicap lift “disappear”, Fred did just that by arranging to have the lift removed and working it all out so I didn’t have to deal with it. Then there was “the” call on the first anniversary of Todd’s death from Connie and Fred. They asked what they could do… Little did they know the outcome of that question! I gave them an honest response. Want to go with Kevin and me to California to see the redwoods? (A trip Todd and I planned to take.) Who agrees to such a request? FRED. He spent hours and hours over a period of several months planning, researching, arranging and mapping it ALL out on various spreadsheets and then of course implementing the plans to give Kevin and me an unforgettable trip. Four years later we teamed up for a second RV trip visiting more gorgeous places. More hours planning, and preparing spreadsheets that resulted in another fantastic trip filled with so many cherished memories. I’m sure I’ve left out a lengthy part of the list. I will always be grateful for all he did for me, all with his fun-loving, gentle and patient spirit. I am thankful for his faith that has guaranteed him a Heavenly home where he no longer has the burden of pain and suffering and one day I will see him again. “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” Philippians 1:3 My heart is heavy with the loss of a dear friend. I will miss his smile and big bear hugs. My deepest sympathy to Connie, Diana and family, Carol Ann and family and Brad and Pam and family for your loss. May your treasured memories give you comfort. “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.” Numbers 6: 24-26.
So many memories. It seems like we alway knew Fred and Connie. Went together like peanut butter and jelly. All the anticipation of their wedding, first home in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. (Including the problem of getting a king size mattress upstairs in the apartment) many ups and downs, triumphs and trials, losses and gains. The best part of Fred was his humor and attitude. Always pleasant, finding the best of the situation, joking, friendly. Family was so important, his heart was generous. So glad to know he’s reuniting with his 2 sons, parents and sister. His concern for his sister led her to our church which led her to saving faith in Jesus, as did her husband, as a result of my mom’s passing. Fred’s faith was evident in his life and death. He will be missed but will be there, waiting for his family in heaven to spend eternity together.
Friendly Fred certainly was appropriate, as was his ability to fix just about anything. Fred always had this low-key approach to dealing with people and things though you could tell when he creased his brow and pursed his lips he was not fully pleased with a matter. Still, Fred would always ask if I had seen any deer when I used to archery hunt on this property and even would point out where the animals had been running. He was a kind, considerate gentleman who know Scripture and lived a professing life.
Very thankful to have known him.
Connie, Diana, and family…I couldn't have asked for a better friend than Fred. We have known each other for 45 years and have served, worked, helped, fellow-shipped, and partied together over those years. I could count on Fred to help with whatever I needed and could also count on that help being well done. Watching kids 40 years ago to helping here at the school these last 10 years were areas where he gave counsel and help. As a brother in Christ his insights encouraged me as well. I don't normally share this way but I wanted the family to know that Fred was/is one special man who now is at rest in the arms of Christ.