Fred Fedeler was born in Waverly, Iowa, to Norman and Wanda Fedeler, on May 12, 1955. A year later, they moved to South Dakota, where he grew up with his six siblings on the family farm near Colton. Fred graduated from Chester High School in 1973. He and his wife, Verna, moved to a farm outside of Chester, where they spent 45 years together. They raised four children, Jason, Karen, Adam, and Laura. Fred loved his family, but his six grandchildren were the light of his life. No matter what he was working on, he spent a lot of time showing them around the farm and teaching them everything he knew. Once the grandkids showed up, everything else could wait. Fred was also known to spoil them when the parents were not looking by sneaking them extra cake or candy whenever possible.

In March 2005, tragedy struck with a fire at the family home. After experiencing the support of the local fire department and community in battling the fire and putting the pieces together afterwards, Fred wanted to repay the service and joined the local volunteer department shortly after to give back. He proudly served as a volunteer firefighter for 17 years. Both of his sons served alongside him as volunteer firefighters in the local department. After his passing, Fred’s oldest grandson, Frederick, joined in serving the local community as a volunteer firefighter, filling his shoes. Some of his nephews serve their local volunteer fire departments in surrounding communities of Chester.

Fred was a faithful Lutheran, proudly serving in many capacities for their congregation. He played an active role with the South Dakota Hand Corn Husking Contest, which included holding offices on both the state and national boards and hosting the contest many times. Fred was a supporter of local Steam Threshing Jamborees, participating in and leading many different projects. Fred especially enjoyed steam threshing, both at Prairie Village and the Humboldt threshing events. When not at one of those events or farming, he enjoyed sports, such as watching his grandkids play, Friday nights on the chain gang, and being the “ball boy” for the Madison Warriors when they played at U.S. Bank Stadium. He was especially proud to be able to play softball on the same team as both of his sons.

Fred was always busy, but with a quick phone call he would be there to help wherever he was needed. He would show up, complete the task, and leave quietly, never wanting any recognition. Fred’s family greatly misses him but is comforted knowing that he departed serving others.