Fredrick William Eschwig

Fredrick W. Eschwig, 88, of Wenatchee, WA, went to be with the Lord on May 19, 2013. Fredrick was born November 14, 1924, in Tucumcari, NM to Monica and Frank Eschwig. Soon after his birth, his family moved to Los Angeles, CA, where Fred grew up and attended school. He joined the U.S. Navy on November 19, 1941, five days after his 17th birthday. He was a Radioman 3rd Class on the Destroyer USS Flusser during World War II and was given an Honorable Discharge at the end. He met his wife within a few weeks after the War ended, while visiting relatives in Wenatchee. Before they were married however, he was asked to re-enlist for the Korean War, where he was on the Mine Sweeper USS Waxbill until 1951, with an Honorable Discharge. After the Korean conflict ended, he and Bonnie Macarty were married on July 1, 1951. In a few weeks, they would have celebrated their 62nd Anniversary. He and Bonnie had two children, Simona and Curtis. They raised their family in the home that Fred built in the Sunnyslope area. He enjoyed spending time with his family on many camping and fishing trips. Dad still had relatives in California, so several vacations were spent visiting them, along with going to Disneyland, Sea World, San Diego Zoo, etc. He loved to skate, ski, hunt, golf, fish and fly. He built a gyrocopter, much to mom's dismay, and flew it more times than she wished. Fred was a General Contractor in the area for a little while, worked for Bonneville Power for several years and then went to work for the Washington State Dept. of Highways, where he retired in 1980. He was a member of the Y's Men's Association at the YMCA, and a Chelan County volunteer fireman in Sunnyslope for 13 years. He enjoyed his travels with friends in The Good Sam's Club. In his spare time, he was an orchardist and a carpenter. He would never say "no" to anyone if they needed his help, to the point of stopping a project for mom to lend a hand wherever he could. He belonged to the Sunnyslope Church for over 60 years, and is leaving behind many loving church friends. His ready smile and sparkling blue eyes were always present and will be greatly missed by many. Fred was preceded in death by his parents; and three sisters, Bobby, Frances and Connie. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his children, Simona (Ed) Byrd and Curt Eschwig, Richard (Susie) Eschwig, Fredrick (Judy) Eschwig and Charlene Eschwig; three granddaughters, Kelli (Will) Wright, Lisa Eschwig, Erin (Jeff) Harvey; three great-grandchildren, Gunner Harvey, and Katie and Jodi Wright; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, June 1, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. at Telford's Chapel of the Valley. Graveside Service immediately following at Evergreen Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be made in Fred's name to the Heart Association or to Sunnyslope Church building fund. Family and friends are welcome to gather for a Celebration of Life at Sunnyslope Church of the Brethren for refreshments following the Services. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Fredrick William Eschwig

November 11, 1924 - May 19, 2013