Manfred W. "Fred" Probol

Manfred W. "Fred" Probol Battle Creek Manfred W. "Fred" Probol, 81, died at Battle Creek Health System, with his loving family at his side, on Saturday, October 16, 2010. Fred was born on April 30, 1929 in Konigsberg, East Prussia, Germany to Walter and Johanna (Kantermann) Probol. His father was a professor teaching physics, math, chemistry and music. His mother was a home maker and both were active in local cultural and community affairs. In January 1945, Fred became a refugee on the run from invading Russians. He was processed thru a refugee camp not far from Berlin. Fred did not know the whereabouts of his mother, father or brother until June of 1946. After the war ended, Fred landed a job as an interpreter with a U. S. Army hospital in Munich. He was fluent in 5 languages. He came to the U.S. (New York) in November 1951. The very next day he went to Detroit, where he worked in an auto electric service station. In March of 1952, he joined the U.S. Air Force. Fred was employed by Chrysler Company in Italy and Turkey, working with the USASTA team. Fred came to Battle Creek in 1966 with Clark Equipment Company. He traveled around the world for Clark Equipment Company, doing consulting and training for microfiche record-keeping systems. Fred traveled over 5 million miles throughout his employment in the corporate world and traveled to over 100 countries. After retiring from Clark Equipment Company, he worked as a realtor for Pearse Reality and also earned a brokers license. While in the Air Force, Fred met Josephine A Rallo. Jo and Fred were united in marriage at Holy Family Catholic Church in Detroit, MI on July 11, 1953. Surviving are Jo, his wife of 57 years; a son, Frederick W. (Diane) Probol of Tallahassee, FL; four grandchildren, Jonathan Probol, serving with the U.S. Marines, Ashley Probol, Nicholas Probol and Jaime Probol; and a nephew, Martin (Gudrun) Probol, Jr. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Annette Marie Probol on August 7, 1954; his parents and a brother and sister-in-law, Martin and Hella Probol. Fred was a member of American Legion Post #298 and Battle Creek Rotary Club, serving on Rotary's endowment committee and was a Paul Harris Fellow. During his 33 years in Battle Creek, Fred was a civic leader and fund raiser. He was involved in numerous community affairs. He worked as an international ambassador with Battle Creek Unlimited traveling the world selling Battle Creek. He was given the George Award in 1978 from the Battle Creek Enquirer for his promotion of international understanding. He enjoyed seeing people celebrate their heritage and promoted the International Festival, International Balloon Festival, Sister City Takasaki, Japan activities and many other cultural activities. He was a local landlord and he listened to his tenants needs and they in turn appreciated his interest in them. Fred was active with the United Way, a past president of the Community Concert Assoc., a member of the Chamber of Commerce and recognized in the Book of Golden Deeds by the Exchange Club. Fred loved the Battle Creek Community; he gave his heart and time to support its development and always said, "America has been good to me". Those who knew Fred, most likely thought, Fred has been good to America. At the request of the family, friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Friday at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home where they will be received 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m. Services to celebrate Fred's life will be officiated by Fr. Robert F. Creagan at the funeral home 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 23, 2010. Military honors by the U.S. Air Force and interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Fred's family would appreciate memorial contributions made payable to the "Battle Creek Community Foundation" for the Annette Marie Probol Memorial Scholarship Fund. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.