Frederick Carl Matthaei, Jr.

Oakham/Detroit, MI - Frederick Carl Matthaei, Jr. passed peacefully on June 2nd, 2016, surrounded by his family, overlooking beautiful Brooks Pond. He was 90 years old. He is survived by his brother Konrad Matthaei; his sister-in-law Joan Anneberg; his four daughters, Julie Matthaei, Maru Matthaei, Amy Matthaei, and Morgan Crowther; his son-in-laws William Witter, William Crowther, and Germazion Medhanie; his nieces Marcella Matthaei, and Lisa and Karen Anneberg, and nephew Konrad Matthaei; his four grandchildren, Kaitlin, James, and Leland Crowther, and Ella Wechsler-Matthaei; and his grandnieces Evelyn AschenBrenner and Sophie Matthaei, and grandnephews Ken Erwood, and Konrad and Spencer Matthaei.

A resident of Michigan, Fred was born in Detroit on October 20, 1925. He grew up in Detroit and Ann Arbor, and then lived in Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills, MI. For the past twenty years, he enjoyed spending time at the family home on Brooks Pond in Oakham, MA. Fred was a successful entrepreneur. He was known for his unique ability to connect with all kinds of people and to bring them together to communicate, often to form a team with the goal of improving the community and world. He was courageous in many respects. He travelled all over the far reaches of the world, often with his children and grandchildren. He was a lifelong supporter of the city of Detroit and of the University of Michigan, his alma mater, as well as of countless organizations and every community he has lived in. Fred was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. In the robotics world, "Grampa Fred" is a legend, as an avid supporter of his grandsons' team which won 5 World Championship titles. Fred was known for driving his car decorated with flames. He held onto his love for life and his adventuresome spirit up to the day he passed. Fred said many times that he had lived a wonderful life, had done everything he wanted to do, was grateful, and felt lucky. Fred was looking forward to joining his loving wife of over fifty years, Malora, and his son Carl in heaven.

Fred was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and a teacher, inspiration, and adventurer, right to his very last breath. He will be sorely missed by his family, as well as by his community of friends and neighbors in and around Oakham, in Michigan, and around the world.

A small family service was held at his daughters' home. A memorial celebration will be held in Michigan July 31, 2016.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Brooks Pond Conservation Association (BPCA) to help preserve the beautiful place that he loved, c/o Johanna Higham, P.C., 18 Lyman Street, Suite 265, Westborough, MA 01581

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette from Jun. 10 to Jun. 12, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Matthaei

7 Entries

Kathy Conners

September 5, 2020

I only met Fred a few times while I was buyer at Betty's Grocery Store. I knew he had done big things, and as a student at Wayne State, knew a building was named for them, and of Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Reading of his life, I wish I'd known him better and that he'd written a book. What a life well-lived!

Elizabeth Green

September 9, 2016

The Green family sends their warm regards to the Matthaei's with wonderful memories from Covington Road and Birmingham days. Love, Betsy, Bill, Bruce and Bobbie Green

Chip Elgass

June 23, 2016

My condolences to his family and friends. As an alum, almost lifetime resident of the area, and longtime season pass holder at Radrick Farms, I am grateful for all of the families contributions (was not aware of the involvement with the Huron Valley Humane Society and Parker Mill). A life well lived.

Yousef Rabhi

June 21, 2016

I never knew you, but I am an employee at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Thank you for all the work that you did to help make this a world class institution! You will be missed.

Dale R. Leslie

June 19, 2016

The 50th Anniversary of the Radrick Farms Golf Course was observed informally at the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor. To view the video recording of the program, log on to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Np5gfKo0WpA

Dana George Reed

June 11, 2016

My condolences to all Fred's family and close friends. I still remember his wife Malora from the Pond here, and that she and my Mother had the same health food passion early on in the 1970s and '80s. I enjoyed discussing mutual issues with Fred, we would challenge each other, mistrust one another a little, but became more comfortable interacting as time passed. Fred was a gifted man, and I enjoyed his stories about business, engineering and the old days of politics with Gov. George Romney. I will miss you, Fred. Thanks for your patience, often granted, with an impatient Conservative with puritan roots who doesn't often view consensus as anything virtuous in today's world and culture. I found it simply amazing this man was engaged in matters like pond management well into his 80s. A long and well-lived life, and a good benchmark to match. Rest in Peace, Fred. Reunited with family now who left this world earlier. I will never forget you, or that black truck with yellow flames on the sides!

Terri Hayosh

June 11, 2016

You will be missed, I am so glad I met you and am a part of your vision BAC.....

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