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MAYOR FRED E. UFERT
WOOD RIVER — Mayor Fred E. Ufert, 65, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. He is the son of Jo Compagno-Ufert and the late Fred E. Ufert Sr. He married Gale Kessinger Dec. 30, 1992, in Edwardsville, Ill. She survives. Also surviving are four sons, Troy Ufert and companion Kristi, Colin Overmeyer and wife Lisa, David Ufert and wife Stephanie, and Anthony Ufert. Also surviving are five grandchildren and a sister, Nancy Jo Fairless and husband Terry.
Fred was involved in coaching local baseball 25 plus years (American Legion and City League) while serving as past president of American Legion 204. He was past president and school board member of Wood River-Hartford Elementary, as well as past president of East Alton Wood River Community High School school board. He served as Wood River Council member from 1999 until he became Mayor of Wood River in 2005, until his untimely death. He was also a member of Alton Aeiries Eagles, and enjoyed bowling.
He was proud of serving the community like it was his own family. His deepest passion and love was coaching his sons and the youth of the local community. He was a devoted lifelong St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. He enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, playing Strat O Matic baseball with his sons, watching his grandsons participating in athletics, playing golf with his wife Gale and special friends, Jim and Nancy Schneider. He cherished the time he had traveling with closest friends Michael and Diane Zangori.
Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 29, at Holy Angels Parish Catholic Church in Wood River where a funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, March 30, 2015, with Father James Flach as celebrant. Burial will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Alton, with military graveside rites conducted by Alton VFW Post 1308.
Memorials may be made to Twin City Legion Baseball, Holy Angels Parish and Masses.
Marks Mortuary in Wood River are in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Michael Wendle
April 5, 2015
If there's a list of people who made a difference, Fred's name is surely on it. We should all hope to do as well.
Jack & Judy Landreth
March 31, 2015
Gail we are so sorry we couldn't come by the funeral home for visitation. We were out of town. But just know that we were thinking of you at this sad time. Thanks to Fred for all he did in the Community. Prayers going out for you and the family.
Susan Darr Garrison
March 31, 2015
Gale Jo Nancy and Sons,
It was Quite a Tribute and Honor Yesterday... You are so fortunate to have Such wonderful memories.. He was taken Way to Soon... Just remember all the good times, Laughing, joking, and crying...
Mike Z did a Fantastic Eulogy..
I am Very honored and Proud to have had Fred as My Cousin...
Lots of Prayers for all your Family.. I Love You
Charles Mellor
March 30, 2015
Our deepest sympathy for the Ufert family.
The Mellor Family (Chuck, Debbie, Chuck, Mitzi, Mindi)
PAT DOSSEY
March 30, 2015
WE WILL MISS THE TALKS WE HAD AND LAUGH'S, YOU DID A LOT FOR OUR CITY , YOU WILL BE MISSED MAYOR. TOM AND PAT DOSSEY
Paul Oller
March 30, 2015
RIP Mr. Mayor. Thanks for everything!!!
Mike Lankford
March 29, 2015
Gale,I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts will be with in your time of sorrow. Fred was a good man and will be missed by many,although none as much as you. May he rest in peace.
Marge Busse
March 29, 2015
My heart goes out to my lifelong friend Nancy and her beautiful Mom, Jo and Gale Ufert. Words can't express my sorrow for your great loss. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Fred, though taken too soon, has left you a plethora of wonderful memories, love and service to his community.
March 28, 2015
Fred,
From our elementary days, you were a terrific friend. Thanks for your kindness, loyalty, and service to your country and the folks of Wood River.
Pat & Joanne Stolze
Sandy Littleton Uetz
March 28, 2015
I remember Fred when he and others would come to my house to play cards back in our high school days. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. RIP, Fred.
Vickie Wright
March 28, 2015
Gale I'm so sorry for you loss. Prayers for healing and strength to you and your family.
March 28, 2015
R.I.P. Old friend. Marquette Class of '67. Aggie (Bienemann) Hartsock
Ed Blair
March 28, 2015
Fred, you were more than a teammate and classmate. You were that rare individual that made the World a happier place.
LaWanda Smith
March 28, 2015
Thanks for your service to the community. My sympathy to Gale and the family. Rest in peace Fred.
March 27, 2015
Sympathy and blessings For Fred and his family. Lee and Joan (Kleinschnittger)Plummer
Mark Rigsbey
March 27, 2015
I have worked with Fred for 30+ years at Olin and I have always thought a lot of him, We were good friends and coworkers, he will be missed. May peace and comfort find you during this difficult time.
March 27, 2015
It was great growing up with Fred and it looks like he's left behind an incredible legacy. Steve and Linda Trosley, Fort Thomas, KY
Jim McLain
March 27, 2015
My sympathy to Fred and his family. He will be missed.
Rev Donald McMaster
March 27, 2015
May the family find Gods peace and blessings as we all say goodbye.
Debbe Buchanan
March 27, 2015
You are in my prayers.
Emilie, emma, Kyle Delp
March 27, 2015
Surrounding prayers around Anthony, Troy, family, friends, and the community of Woodriver!
Emmy, Kyle, Emma Delp, and Nancy shaw Delp
March 27, 2015
My heart, and prayers are with you all, and Anthony I am here if you need me! Love you brother! Your brother, mom, and family will continually remain in my thoughts, and prayers.
David and Linda George
March 26, 2015
The Ufert family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Roger Phelps
March 26, 2015
Always enjoyed talking to Fred in the lab at work. My sympathy to all his family.
Ray and Tammy Buchholz
March 26, 2015
Will be remembered as a friend and fellow OLIN employee.
March 26, 2015
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ufert family. Mike and Charlotte Anderson"
March 26, 2015
Gale, Jo, Nancy and Family
Our heart goes out to you in your time of grief. Please know that we are praying for you.
Mick & Kris (Chapman) Beasley
March 26, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with Fred and his entire family.
Stan, Sandy, and Jon Link
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