Fred "Red" M. Jewell

Fred “Red” M. Jewell, 89, WAUSAU breathed his last on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at his home, surrounded by his loving family while under the care of Aspirus Hospice Services. Born on April 7, 1933, in Chicago, to the late Fred M. and Beula (Stedman) Jewell. He was raised and educated by the Chicago Children’s System until age 14 when he was placed with his foster mother, Mrs. Ludwig. At the age of 17, Fred enlisted in the US Army as a paratrooper, and September 21, 1951, his feet hit foreign soil as a member of the 187th Airborne. He fought in the Korean War and was honorably discharged on April 10, 1954.

On June 23, 1956, he married Rita Koppa at St. Michaels Catholic Church, Wausau. He loved building a family with her and traveling together. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary this year of 2022.

Outside of his career as an offset press operator at Marathon Press, his side hustles tending bar Friday nights at the Pine Bar, an usher for Peterson Funeral Home, driving the courtesy van for O’Malley’s, and greeting patients at Aspirus Clinic in Plover, he had many hobbies. He enjoyed fishing on Lake Somo, bowling Thursday nights on a ‘Knights of Columbus’ league, golfing, cribbage, card games, and building amazing puzzles. He could be found watching the Green Bay Packers, the ‘Fighting Irish’ or ‘Bucky Badger’ football while enjoying a “polish pop.” A teacher at heart; he read to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren whenever he had the opportunity.

Survivors include his wife Rita Jewell, Wausau; his children, Brenda (Peter Swartz) Jewell, Berlin, CT; Mary (Allen) Riegel, Kronenwetter; Colleen (Scott) Writz, Wausau; Shelly Jewell, Wausau; as well as eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Fred was preceded in death by Fred Sr. and Beula Jewell, his siblings Clay Jewell and Virginia Stecki.

The family would like to extend special thanks to his caregivers at Aspirus Cancer Center, Dr. Bailey at the Wausau VA, and his Granddaughter Courtney, his homecare giver.

Fred leaves all his family and friends with this Irish blessing:

“Wishing you a rainbow for sunlight after showers, miles, and miles of Irish smiles for golden happy hours, shamrocks at your doorway for luck and laughter too, and a host of friends that never ends, each day your whole life through. May the road rise to meet you.”

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 15, 2022, at St. Anne Parish, Wausau. Visitation will be held on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be Tuesday 11:00 a.m. at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Spooner where full military honors will be conducted. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com