Fred N. Day, 95, passed away on Wednesday morning, October 12, 2016, in Elgin, Illinois.
He was born May 16, 1921, in Dickinson, North Dakota, the son of Arthur M. and Ida D. (Rust) Day. He was raised and educated in Missoula, Montana and graduated from Missoula High School. Fred was a member of the Missoula Masonic Lodge. He was a machinist apprentice for the railroad and then enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served on the USS Alden during World War II and attended officers training at Cornell University. He later obtained a Bachelors degree from Rutgers University and a Masters degree from Northern Arizona University.
He was united in marriage to Margaret Pugh on December 23, 1945. The couple made their home in New Jersey and later in Illinois where they raised their four children. Following Margaret’s death, he was united in marriage to Wanda I. Colwell on December 24, 1967. They lived in Illinois, Nebraska, Arizona, and Wyoming, before returning to Illinois. Fred worked as a manager and director of various physical plants and facilities throughout his career. In retirement he especially enjoyed volunteering at his church, worked extensively with Habitat for Humanity, enjoyed fishing, and was an avid rock hound. This past summer Fred was the oldest WWII Veteran on the July 2016 Chicago Honor Flight.
He is survived by his wife Wanda of South Elgin; his children Joan (John) Wince and Barbara (Ronald) Colson, both of Huntley, Carol (David) Osborn of Marengo, and Richard (Deborah) Day of Discovery Bay, California; his grandchildren Pamela, Margaret, Matthew, Jillian, Richard, Marjorie, Sarah, Teresa, Elizabeth, and Rebecca; and 23 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife Margaret and his sister Arlene Day Brown.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 22nd at the Tuscola Township Cemetery, Tuscola, Illinois. The family requests that charitable donations be directed towards Prostate Cancer Research.
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I'll always remember Fred for his witty sense of humor and generosity towards others. Knowing Fred has been a privilege and will always be a memorable part of my life.