Fred Therrian, 88, of Gladstone entered eternal life on March 27, 2007. He was born in Detroit on Jan. 26, 1919, the first child of Alderick and Dorina (LaForest) Therrian. When Fred was ten years old, the family moved back to Flat Rock (Gladstone), where he lived until he entered the United States Army.
On August 13, 1942, Fred married Yvonne Wilmotte at All Saints Church in Gladstone. They spent 64 enjoyable years together raising a family while camping, skiing, going to camp at Watson, and traveling.
Fred entered the service on March 7, 1941, and proudly served his country as part of the Service Battery 979th Field Artillery 119th Battalion in the European Theater. He saw action in Normandy, Northern France, the Rhineland, Central Europe, the Battle of the Bulge, and eventually Berlin. He was discharged on Nov. 12, 1945. Throughout his enlistment, Fred was awarded five Battle Stars, the Purple Heart, the Legion of Merit Soldier’s Medal, and three Overseas Service bars. Fred was recognized by the governments of France and Belgium for his contributions in the fight to liberate those countries from the Axis Powers in World War II. He was very proud of having served his country. Flying the American flag always had a special place in his heart.
Fred worked for the Mead Corporation from 1937 to 1981 retiring as the head machinist. He thrived on the day-to-day challenges of keeping the machinery in the mill operating efficiently.
He liked spending time at the hunting camp at Watson and fishing on Little Bay de Noc, both summer and winter. Bowling was not one of his strengths. After one disastrous tournament, Fred’s teammates drove into a cemetery and asked him to bury his bowling ball. He spent many relaxing hours each summer tending the flowers in their yard and the vegetables in their garden and playing cards and cribbage with his wife. Fred was a “people person” who enjoyed conversation with others. However, his greatest pleasure came from spending time with his family. He was a good and caring man.
Fred was a member of the Knights of Columbus – Brother Felix Council 6667 of Gladstone, the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post 71, charter member of the St. Vincent de Paul in Gladstone, the Mead Rod and Gun Club, the Gladstone Senior Center, and was a former member of the Gladstone Yacht Club.
Fred is survived by his wife, Yvonne; two daughters, Mary Jeanne (Gene) Van Asten and Patty (Steve) Delveaux; grandchildren, Matthew Delveaux, John (Jen) Delveaux, and Stephanie (Jason) Viau; step-grandchildren, Wendy (Patrick) Pavloski, Jennifer (Todd) Englund, and Abby Van Asten; great-grandchildren, Cameron Delveaux, Carter Pavloski, and another great-grandchild to be born in September; three sisters, Leona (Henry) Chouinard, Lorraine Simpson, and Darlene (Don) Smith; one sister-in-law, Vi Therrien; special cousins, Marguerite and Frank Barak; and several aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents Alderick and Dorina Therrian, and two brothers, Leo Therrien and Raymond Therrian.
Visitation for Fred will be Saturday, March 31, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home by the Knights of Columbus – Brother Felix Council 6667 of Gladstone. Military honors will be presented by the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post 71 at noon.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. at All Saints Catholic Church, with Rev. Fr. Arnold Grambow officiating.
Memorials may be directed to the Elevator Fund to provide a barrier-free environment at All Saints Church.
