Fred J. Servatius

Fred was born May 30, 1933, to Clara and William Servatius in Sundown, Texas. He was the youngest of eight children.

The family moved to Clarkston in 1947, where Fred started his sophomore year at Clarkston High School. He played on the tennis team, and later as an adult he carried his passion for the sport by playing in city tournaments and winning several trophies.

Fred was part of the National Guard, and upon graduation was deployed to the Korean War. He was a sergeant in the war and was a surveyor for the U.S. Army. Fred was always thoughtful of others. Although he was higher ranked, he did not hesitate to go to the front lines to get survey coordinates to protect the lives of those in his unit who had wives or families at home.

After returning from the war, Fred and his brother, Ray, started Servatius News Agency, a wholesale magazine and book company, in 1954. Later, in 1989, Fred bought his brother out and ran a successful business with his wife, Marge, and their two sons until he sold the business and retired in 1995.

Fred met his best friend, Marge Flerchinger, and they became partners in life when they married on May 8, 1954. From that union, they were blessed with six children, 14 grandchildren and, to date, 17 great-grandchildren.

Fred enjoyed life and was generous and kind to all he met. Without hesitation, he was always there to help family, friends, neighbors or even complete strangers. Fred can be remembered for always having a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. He had a great love for playing cards and cribbage, entertaining or talking with family and friends, golfing, fishing and being with his dog. Fred, and his family spent most of their time together building memories at their lake cabin in Rockford Bay on Lake Coeur d'Alene. They have been members of the Rockford Bay community for more than 45 years.

Fred is survived by his wife, Marge; and his children, Barb Ross (Dennis), Fritz Servatius (Jody), JoAnn Brusco, Robin Santos and Brad Servatius (Lea Ann). He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandy Touchstone. He is also survived by all of his grandchildren and his siblings, Anna Jo Thomas, Mary Tobin and Ray Servatius; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held with a rosary at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Church, 3330 14th St., Lewiston. A reception will be held at the church following the funeral. A private burial service for the immediate family will be held after the reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the memory of Fred to the All Saints School Building Fund, 3330 14th Street, Lewiston, ID 83501.