Frederick G. Stirn

Wasilla resident Frederick G. Stirn, 81, died March 17 at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage.

A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday at noon, preceded by Knights of Columbus Honors at 10 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1201 E. Bogard Road in Wasilla. Burial will be in May or June at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wasilla.

Mr. Stirn was born in Milwaukee, Wis., and attended Holy Redeemer High School, where he was known as “Freddy with the Mellow Cello.” He moved to Fairbanks in the early 1970s to work as a glazier. He previously lived and worked as a glazier in Wisconsin, California, Oregon and Arizona, with memories of working on Hollywood stars’ homes, and it being minus-45 degrees in Fairbanks while installing large glass windows. The fellow glaziers recalled his good sense of humor and dry jokes, which he exhibited even through his illness until the last day.

As a young man he enjoyed water skiing and swimming, golf and bowling. He enjoyed the Merchant Marines and served as a chief petty officer for three years aboard transport ships as a baker. He enjoyed shopping and the vacation cruise he took with his wife, Bonnie.

Fred always endeavored to be involved in community activities. He was a volunteer fireman in Oregon, helped with Boy Scouts, a member of the Lions Club, on the Senior Center Board, Vice President of his home owners association, and assisted with establishment of Wasilla’s Catholic School. He also enjoyed being a member of the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his son, Kenneth of Arizona, daughter, Linda Stone and her husband Steve of North Carolina; stepchildren, Ted Heintz and Helena Brown of Anchorage; his sister, Virginia Obenberger of Wisconsin; brother, Richard Stirn and wife, Pat of California and a nephew, Robert Obenberger.

Funeral arrangements are by Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel in Wasilla.