Frederick James Stevens age 91 of Merrill died Friday, January 24, 2014 at Pine Crest Nursing Home under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care Hospice. Fred was born February 21, 1922 in Erie, PA son of Homer Clair and Vene Juanita (Beard) Stevens. He received his education in Ft Lauderdale, FL where he graduated from high school and then continued his education at the University of Mississippi. He served his country during WW II in the United States Coast Guard. After his discharge he joined the family bakery in Ft. Lauderdale which he operated until its closing in the 1980’s. During that time he became Port Commissioner where he served for 20 years and later moved to Ft. Myers, FL where he continued to worked for the Department of Commerce in business development for 8 additional years until his retirement. He was married to Marguerite Maule on April 7, 1972 and they made their home in Ft Myers and then Franklin, NC before moving to Merrill. Fred enjoyed playing baseball and during his early years was the bat boy for the Cleveland Indians. He also minor league ball for a time. He is survived by his wife Marguerite of Merrill, 3 sons, James Stevens of Knoxville, TN, John Stevens of Crawfordsville, FL, and Rick Stevens of Johnson City, TN, 2 daughters Kathy Shriver of Alpharetta, GA and Alice Heath of Sunrise, FL, 2 step daughters, Donna Reitz of McFarland, WI and Carol Christensen of Alpharetta, GA, a step-son Ken Maule of Merrill, WI and several grandchildren and great grandchildren
Memorial Services: 11:00 AM Thursday, January 30, 2014 at the Waid Funeral Home in Merrill.
Visitation: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Waid Funeral Home in Merrill
Private burial will be at a later date.
Online condolences may be left at www.waidfuneral.com