Fred C. Wukits

Fred C. Wukits, 83, of Grand Forks died peacefully in his home on August 8, 2015, with his wife by his side. He was born to Rudolf and Wava (Bailey) Wukits on June 17, 1932, at home in Rotterdam, NY. He graduated from Draper School in Rotterdam when the school held all 12 grades, finishing school as a commuter after his family moved to a small farm in Knox, NY, in the Helderberg Mountains. Fred then rode in to school with his father, who worked for General Electric Company in Schenectady. After his graduation Fred followed his father to GE, taking a machinist apprentice technical course that enabled him to move from the mail room to hands-on manufacturing. He finished his career as a methods specialist/manufacturing engineer. Fred served in the US Army in 1954-56, having volunteered for the draft. He was stationed in Germany, where he met and married Gabriele Ueberle. They had four children and were together for 25 years, until her death in 1981. The family settled in Knox and became active members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Berne, NY. Fred taught Sunday School, served on the church council and as vice president, and was a preaching deacon. In November 1982 Fred married the Rev. Janice Jenson, whom both he and Gabriele had known as their pastor. He moved to Grand Forks when Janice retired in 2007 and was an active member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church. Fred was skilled in working with wood and various other materials. His former church, his home, and other homes contain things that he has made and given away. At the time of his death he was making small gifts of wood to give away as a sign of his appreciation for the newer friends in his life. After faith in God through Jesus Christ one of Fred's greatest passions was airplanes. Through the years he built many model airplanes from scratch. After retirement he took flying lessons, bought a small airplane, and became a licensed pilot. He flew to many places, including back and forth four times to Grand Forks with Janice for vacation. He was a member of AOPA and a life member of Pilots for Christ International. Fred is survived by his wife Janice; children Robin (Christel) in Germany, Daniel (FL), Bryan (AZ), and Katja (CA); six grandchildren; one great granddaughter; sister Nancy (Al) Davis in Galway, NY; sister-in-law Marilyn Wukits in Hixson, TN; sister-in-law Debra (Harold) Penas in East Grand Forks, MN, and brother-in-law Donald (Ginny) Jenson in Hunter, ND; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his first wife Gabriele; brother Richard Wukits; sister Antonia Decker; and his parents and parents-in law. Fred's funeral service will be held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church on Monday, August 17, at 10:30 a.m., with visitation at the church one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Memorial Park South. For anyone desiring, memorials for St. Mark's Lutheran Church or Northlands Rescue Mission are suggested.