Frederick Koke

Frederick Joseph Koke was born November 27, 1939, to Frederick Adolf and Vernie (Krongard) Koke, in St. Paul, Minnesota.

 Fred was a 1957 graduate of Harding High School and went on to attend St. Cloud State University. On February 14, 1959, he was united in marriage to Joyce Fisher in Mason City, Iowa. To this union they were blessed with three children: Michelle, Fred, and Lisa. Fred worked for 3M for 35 years, where he was the Best Loyal Employee Ever, before retiring on June 10, 2001.  Fred and Joyce were members of Third Church in Pella. He died on August 2, in Altoona, Iowa, surrounded by his family.

 Fred was all about his family, especially the love of his life, Joyce, whom he was married to for 65 years.  They loved to travel and did so often.  Italy, St. Maarten, and Mexico were a few of their favorites.  Fred loved to fish, making several trips to the Boundary Waters with his son and grandsons throughout the years. His passion was woodworking.  He had his own shop in which he made his family amazing creations.  We couldn’t wait until Christmas time when he would gift us with beautiful hand-crafted ornaments.

Fred so dearly loved and was so incredibly proud of his children, but especially his grandchildren. He never missed a sporting event, many times having to juggle which one to go to! Any chance he had, he would play cribbage, put puzzles together, or play cards.

Although Fred was a man of few words, he never knew a stranger, adored by all that met him.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Joyce, and their family:

 Michelle (Sam) Bassett, Maplewood, Minnesota

                    Lily V. Bassett

 Fred (Mari) Koke, Bondurant, Iowa

                    Fred (Bailey) Koke

                                          Crosby Koke

                    Joey (Anneliese) Koke

Lisa (Darren) Naaktgeboren, Pella, Iowa

                    Houston (Anna) Naaktgeboren

                    Isaac Naaktgeboren

 He is also survived by his sisters: Margaret Carlson of Hudson, Wisconsin, and Mary (Terry) Needham of Lake Elmo, Minnesota. 

 Fred was preceded in death by his parents Frederick and Vernie Koke, and parents-in-law Earl and Myrna Fisher.  

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