Fred Francis Bixenman

Fred Francis Bixenman, 102, of Grainfield died Wednesday, August 2, 2023. He was born on February 5, 1921, on a farm northwest of Angelus to John and Mary (Ostmeyer) Bixenman. Fred attended Pleasant Ridge School, a country school north of Grinnell. He was a farmer and rancher and attended cattle sales in the area. He was still driving to the sale barn at 91. He loved farming and checking the cattle. Fred was a good steward of his life, family and the land. He had a strong faith and loved his family, friends and community. Fred watched Wheel of Fortune each evening. He was so proud of his interview that aired on KSN Veterans Day Salute. He was a member of the St. Paul's Catholic Church of Angelus, Knights of Columbus and Grinnell VFW.
Fred was drafted into the Army in November 1942 during WWII. He was assigned to the 265th Quartermaster and during some of his service held the rank of S. Sgt. His unit went to England in July of 1944 and the 265th was disbanded shortly after they arrived. He was assigned to a supply unit in Liverpool where he trained and worked until the war ended. From Liverpool his unit was transferred to Norway where they supplied other army units within the Occupation Forces. He returned home in 1946 departing from Bremen Germany. Fred served several years as a Sheridan County Commissioner and was Grinnell VFW #2864 commander. For many years Fred helped with the Memorial Day services honoring the veterans in Angelus, Grinnell, Hoxie and Orion. Fred was proud of his country and his military service and always had on his WWII cap.
Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby; siblings, Joe Bixenman and Doris (Robert) Manhart. He is survived by his children, Linda Bixenman (Jerome Gross, friend) of Hays, Ken (Colleen) Bixenman of Colby, Mary Jane (Greg) Goetz of Grinnell, Ron (Nancy) Bixenman of Grainfield and Daryl (Judy) Bixenman of Grainfield; sister, Stella Krannawitter; brother Bill Bixenman and grandchildren, Erica Moore, Jessica (Aaron) Dempewolf, Jared (Sally) Bixenman, Jaydon (Katie) Bixenman, Julian Bixenman, Nathan (Kacie) Goetz, Darren (Tori) Goetz, Eric (Jacqui) Goetz, Christina (Greg) Peterson, Christopher, Luke and Natalie Bixenman, Andrew (Tristan) Bixenman, Bailey, Brooke, Melissa, and Mason Bixenman. He also had 14 great grandchildren, Jillian Schmidt, Ryder, Vance, Bella and Blair Dempewolf, Nova and Von Bixenman, Owen, Nora, Zela and Jovi Goetz, Logan, Kipton and Scottie Bixenman with two more to be born soon. His great granddaughter, Scottie, was born on his 102nd birthday.
His generosity to his family and others was boundless. He instilled family values and the love of the land in each of them. He was dearly loved by all of his family.
Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m., with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 4, 2023, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Angelus. Funeral Mass is 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 5, 2023, at St. Paul Catholic Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Grinnell/Angelus Area Heritage Center, Grinnell VFW or St. Paul Catholic Church, for restoration, and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or to leave condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com