Friedebert "Fred" Pfennig, 98, formerly of Washburn, ND died March 25, 2015 at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center in Bismarck, ND. Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday April 1, 2015 at McCabe United Methodist Church, Bismarck. Officiating will be the Rev. Jenny Hallenbeck. Interment will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Tuesday at Goetz Funeral Home, Washburn. Visitation will continue one prior to the service on Wednesday at the church.

Fred was born on April 9th, 1916 near Beulah, ND. He was the 4th of 14 children born to John and Margaret (Koehler) Pfennig.

English was a second language for Fred. His parents spoke German at home and he learned English at school. Fred was only able to attended school during the winter months for the first few grades. He was required to work on the farm until late in the fall and again early in the spring. From an early age, he was given responsibility for the horses. As a small boy, he and his father would each take a wagon and team of horses to town over 20 miles away with loads of grain. Fred grew up in a simpler time -- when calloused hands and faith in God reflected honor.

Fred married Leone Beck on April 7, 1940. After they were married, he began farming with a team of horses he received from his father. He was very conservative and careful with his hard earned profits. He would only buy equipment if he really needed it. He was mechanically inclined, and could overhaul engines and made many of his own repairs.

In 1951 he purchased a farm and moved his family to Mercer, ND. He moved to Turtle Lake in 1967, Washburn, ND in 1975, and Bismarck, ND in 1996. He farmed until retiring in 1984. Fred kept busy well into his 80s.

Even though Fred grew up in the great depression and suffered many personal losses, he loved to serve others. He volunteered his spare time in maintaining Asbury Bible camp, his local churches, and McLean County Historical Society.

Throughout his life, Fred continued to learn by reading newspapers, encyclopedias, and books. He was interested in world events and facts. He enjoyed learning about other people and places in the world. He also enjoyed learning about science and nature.

Fred received great joy from music. He had an ear for old hymns and taught himself to play several musical instruments -- including piano, organ, various accordions and harmonicas. He would "play" a melody in his head as he coaxed the instrument to follow. When people visited, he would often play a song or two. Anyone wishing to sing along was welcome and encouraged to do so.

He loved to hunt and fish. He continued to fish well into his 80's. Fred had the patience to solve puzzles which others could not. He also enjoyed playing board games with visitors at his home.
Fred loved his family very much and he enjoyed sharing his stories with them. The well-being, success, and future of his children and grand-children were important to him.

Fred loved the Lord and he followed God's commandments. He was baptized and confirmed in a Lutheran church near his home. He frequently read the Bible and encouraged others to do so. He attended church almost every Sunday where he loved to hear God's word and sing. He wanted everyone to meet him in Heaven and he would beckon his family and friends to follow him to righteousness.
God blessed Fred with a long life, and for that, we are thankful. Fred had special smile and soft chuckle which will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Fred is survived by three sons, Willie (Alberta) Pfennig, Casper, WY, Ronald Pfennig, Grand Forks, ND, Wally (Dawn) Pfennig, Grand Forks, ND; a son-in-law, Mike Vorachek, Idaho Falls, ID; 8 grandchildren, David, Delora, John (Jamie), Matthew, Steven (Nikki), Stephanie (Dan), Tracy (Darin), Kate (Jeff); 14 great-grandchildren and adopted daughter Jane (Jim) Morgan.

He was welcomed into heaven by his Lord Jesus, his wife of 68 years, Leone, his eldest son Delmar, his only daughter Lea Blanche, grandson Joseph, and great-granddaughter Halle. As well as his parents, and several brothers and sisters.