Frederick L. Weiss

Frederick Leo Weiss, age 83, of Cheboygan, Michigan, was born on February 8, 1943, in Cheboygan to Albert and Genevieve (Bur) Weiss. He was the tenth of twelve children. At the age of four, Fred lost his mother and was raised by his father and his "second mom," his sister Margaret Beethem.

Fred had a deep love for farming and was just one year away from having his dairy operation fully established when, at age 25, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and was forced to sell his cows. He served his country during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Purple Heart for his service.

In 1973, Fred married Evelyn Brandau Maxwell, who brought four children into the marriage, whom Fred helped raise as his own. Together, they welcomed two additional sons in 1974 and 1975.

Throughout his life, Fred held many jobs, including his work as a mason for Cal Gouine. He later found great enjoyment working at Wilderness State Park, where he spent 13 years and considered it his favorite place to work.

Fred was extremely social and enjoyed telling stories to everyone he met. He loved smoking fish, making deer jerky, and preparing head cheese. As a family, they spent many cherished hours at the small log cabin Fred built in the woods-making maple syrup, gardening, fishing, camping, raising calves, and cross-country skiing.

As his health declined, Fred found joy in sitting in his truck, reading, and watching for deer. He often patrolled the neighborhood and proudly reported how many deer he had seen. He especially cherished Monday mornings in town with his son Eric and helping his son Alex with the sawmill. Fred and Evelyn attended Faith Baptist Church, where they participated in the Live Nativity for several years.

Fred is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn Weiss; his children Lori Miller, Greg (Nita) Maxwell, Shelly Brandt, (Bruce Brandt), Marc (Amy) Maxwell, Alex (Dienna) Weiss, and Eric (Crystal) Weiss; Grandchildren Ryan (Terah) Clairmont, Ashley (Alan) Myers, Sarah (Chad) Lackowski, Jacob (Jordan) Maxwell, Matthew (Nikki) Brandt, Abby Maxwell, Anna Matelski, Chase Miller, Shelby Miller, Jack Maxwell, Cameron Maxwell, Evan Maxwell, and Landon Weiss; and Great-Grandchildren Clayton Brandt, Bennett Lackowski, Mason Brandt, Addison Myers, and Parker Maxwell.

He is also survived by his siblings Margaret Beethem, Ann Weiss, Charlie (Carol) Weiss, Cele Makowski, Rita (Bill) Bur, and Ed (Laura) Weiss, and brothers-in-law Henry (Mary) Brandau and Marlin (Diana) Brandau and family.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws Ed and Frieda Brandau; and his siblings Teresa, Agnes, Jim, Ray, and Ron.

The family extends a heartfelt thanks to Neil Hill and Ryan Makowski, neighborhood boys who meant so much to Fred and whom he could always count on.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring. Specific details will be announced at a later date.

Donations may be made in Fred's honor to Together Lifting Children Program, a ministry of St. Thomas Lutheran Church. Contributions can be made in c/o St. Thomas/TLC Program, P.O. Box 57, Cheboygan, MI 49721.