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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
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Fred Schuchmann
FRED LUDWIG SCHUCHMANN
Cedar Rapids
Fred Ludwig Schuchmann was born March 20, 1937, in Oelwein, Iowa, and passed away Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Fred and his four siblings, Paul Jr., Bud, Melvin and Ida, were raised by their parents (Paul and Hilda) on a farm outside of Strawberry Point, Iowa. He was a member of the FFA Organization (fka Future Farmers of America). He graduated from Strawberry Point High School in 1955 and from Wartburg College with his BBA in 1959.
After college, Fred served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in La Rochelle, France, where he received a good conduct medal before being honorably discharged. Upon his return to U.S. in the summer of 1961, he went to work with Iowa National Insurance. While working there, he married Greta Zurcher and they had a son, David. Fred later went to work at Millhiser-Smith, where he sold insurance until his retirement in December 2001.
Fred valued family, hard work and helping others. He was a kind and generous man who publicly supported many charitable organizations including several churches, St. Luke's Hospital, the University of Iowa as a President's Club Member, Kirkwood Community College and several other Christian and academic institutions. Privately and quietly, he also helped families and individuals who needed a little extra support.
Fred enjoyed traveling the world visiting over 50 countries, farming, attending Iowa football and basketball games, the Iowa boy's high school basketball tournament and other sporting events. Fred especially enjoyed his trip in 2013 trip to watch USC play football at Notre Dame.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Hilda Schuchmann; brothers, Paul Jr. and Bud; his first wife, Greta; and second wife, Lois.
Fred is survived by his brother, Melvin; sister, Ida; son, David; daughter-in-law, Jennifer; and grandson, Jordan, who will greatly miss him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either the St. Luke's Foundation (Greta Schuchmann or Lois Schuchmann Scholarship funds) or Bethany Lutheran Church (Kenyan Ministry). Due to COVID (and Fred's dislike of long ceremonies) a short funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, at Cedar Memorial Chapel. Attendees are requested to wear masks.
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