He was proud of his Native American heritage and was a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. He was the Hereditary Chief through his maternal grandfather’s line. The village of Peshawbestown was named for his grandfather, Benjamin Peshaba. His paternal 3x great father was “Chief” David Shoppenagon , a well-known canoe maker, guide, and man-about-town in Grayling, Michigan.

Working on farm equipment was his trade for 25 years covering northern lower Michigan and Door County, Wisconsin. He then was a Shuttle Driver at Leelanau Sands Casino until he retired in 2005.

He proudly served in the United States Army from December 1961 to December 1964; stationed in Karlsruhe, Germany with the 809th Engineers. He belonged to American Legion Eagletown Post #120 as a Color Guard.

Fred was a league bowler, a card player, and he could make parts for equipment of any kind. He loved tinkering and making things other people wouldn’t think of to make his work or play easier. People may have laughed or said, “that won’t work”, but he showed them up 90% of the time and they would want to borrow his “invention”, making him smile.

His priority was his family, and he would do anything for them. His generosity had no end when it came to his loved ones. Traveling with his family were favorite times for him. Put him on a plane or ship and he was happy. Fred had a sense of humor that would have people scratching their heads wondering if what he was saying was true or if he was “pulling their leg” and he would let them keep guessing by holding a straight face. A day never passed that he didn’t make someone laugh.

Preceding him in death were his parents; two sisters – Catherine Baldwin and Ardith “Dodie” Harris. Surviving are his wife Carolyn, three children – Patricia Harris of Traverse City, Dawn (Derrell) Shaw of Suttons Bay, and one son, Frederick Scott (Beth) Harris of Interlochen; seven grandchildren – Paul Bussey of Traverse City, Jacqueline DenBesten of Golden, Colorado, Kimberly (Weston) Babcock of Traverse City, and Jessica Kilgore of Northport; Ryan, Suzanne, and Maya Shaw, seven great grandchildren – Aubrey, Evelyn, and Emma Babcock, Donovan and Serena Shaw, and Everette Ohanisian, Lucy DenBesten and many nieces, nephews.

A memorial service will be held January 11, 2025, at the Strongheart Center on, in Peshawbestown, Mi. Wearing of Masks will be appreciated.

Those wishing to honor Fred may make donations to the Traverse City Humane Society or charity of your choice.

Please share your cherished memories of Fred with his family at www.Reynolds-Jonkhoff.com The family is being cared by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.