Frederick William Fairbairn

Frederick William Derf Fairbairn, 79, of Oshkosh, passed away on Thursday morning, November 6, 2014 at his home from pancreatic cancer. Fred was born on July 6, 1935 to William and Rosalie King Fairbairn in Freeport, IL. He grew up on the Fairbairn family farm outside Ridott, IL. Fred attended Ridott Elementary School, graduated from Freeport High School (Class of 1953) and graduated from the University Of Illinois School Of Engineering in 1957.Fred was employed by Micro Switch in the engineering department when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served two years before returning to Micro Switch in Freeport. Fred worked there for 28 years and then in 1987 transferred to Honeywells Keyboard Division in El Paso, TX, where he worked another 7 years.He was a faithful member of Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church and was a U.S. Army Veteran. Fred had been a member of and past president of the Freeport Fishing Club. Upon retiring from Honeywell, Fred settled in Oshkosh, WI where he enjoyed his hobbies of fishing, bowling, and dartball. He gave his time driving for Social Services in Winnebago County and helped disabled young men build a model train table. In 2002, Fred returned to the workforce as a customer service representative for Eastbay, where he worked for 12 years.Fred was known for his colorful, custom-made, Hawaiian-style shirts which he wore each day and his friendly disposition and smile. He made positive impression on everyone he met, especially children.Fred enjoyed playing Santa Claus at Christmas time and the neighborhood Kids in El Paso as well as many kids in Oshkosh called him Grandpa. Fred is survived by his wife, Carol Emilie Busch Fairbairn, who he married at St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Algoma, WI on October 13, 1962. He is also survived his three sons, Larry (Kelly) of South Beloit, IL, Jeffery of Milwaukee, WI, and Kevin (Theresa) of Oklahoma City, OK. Fred and Carol are blessed with nine grandchildren, Faith, Grace, and Noah of South Beloit, IL, Joseph Berry (Kristen) of Lawton, OK, Vincent of Ft. Benning, GA, Nathaniel, Christopher, and Patrick of Oklahoma City, OK. They also have one great granddaughter, Zoey in Oklahoma. Fred has two surviving brothers, Carl (Neenah) of Ridott, IL, and Orval (Linda) of Port Orange, FL.Preceding Fred in death are grandson, Christopher Matthew in 1999, Sister, Elta in 1945 and his parents William (1981) and Rosalie (1994).A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 10:00 am at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church (338 N. Eagle St. Oshkosh) with the Rev. David Pagel officiating. Family and friends may visit at the church on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to the time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations to a memorial being established in Freds name would be appreciated.

Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church



338 N Eagle Street
Oshkosh
WI
54902

00:00.0
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.



Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church



338 N Eagle Street
Oshkosh
WI
54902

00:00.0
10:00 a.m.