Fred G. Buenger

1933 - 2021

Fred G. Buenger

Oro Valley - Fred G. Buenger - passed away March 3, 2021 in Oro Valley, Arizona

Indomitable, Unwaveringly Faithful, Loyal, 'No Fear' - Words are not sufficient to capture the essence of a heart and soul committed to being the best he could be, first to honor His Heavenly Father, second for those he held dear.

Fredrick Gustav Buenger was born April 27, 1933 in Oxnard, California to immigrant parents who cherished the opportunity for a better life in America. Fred grasped hold of that dream and never looked back. Serving in the army, then pursuing an electrical engineering degree at Ventura College, Cal Poly and Northridge, he quickly pivoted to ask for the hand of his beloved Nancy Jane Korn, who had captured his heart with one glance at Mel's Drive In. They married in 1958, and the swift addition of a daughter, followed soon by a son, focused Fred like a laser on the task of providing for his young family.

Beginning with outboard engine repair, 6 months later installed as the manager of Seacoast Marine in the Ventura harbor, and by 1964 operating 2 locations for Seacoast, Fred worked night and day, mastering the business. Although he soon became indispensable to his boss, Fred's dream was to have his own business. By 1968 he'd developed his own marine hardware brand, bought out his boss, and opened Coast Chandlery, with his first store in the Channel Islands harbor. He quickly added multiple locations in Santa Barbara, Ventura Harbor, and into Baja California. This spurred the opening of ancillary retail businesses, and his development of marine centers that would house the marine businesses. Fred also ventured into other long-standing businesses, including GoldenRod Dehumidifiers, a brand that dominated a market niche in the marine and sporting goods industries for decades.

When the unrelenting press of big box marine hardware stores made sole proprietorships obsolete, and prompted other harbor businesses to fold, Fred and his son Steve, now a partner, re-imagined the focus of the business. This father and son team breathed new life into the harbor as their Marine Emporium Landing became the top tourist destination in the Channel Islands harbor. The testament of time is irrefutable, theirs is the sole Family operated leasehold in the Harbor, going strong for over 53 years.

Never give up. For some, this is a great motto until things get tough. Fred, once committed to a goal, would not be deterred, he did not recognize defeat. Through faith, diligence, persistence and hard work he not only survived but triumphed through every adversarial season in business. But there was something even more remarkable about Fred, he honored those who worked alongside him by ensuring all shared in that success.

A true California son, he loved a road trip. Beginning with the childhood road trips up and down Hwy 395 for golden, adventure filled family camping trips in the High Sierra's, Fred was energized when the bags were packed. Add a cooler filled with home-made egg salad sandwiches, Nancy as his co-pilot and sleeping kids tucked in back, a midnight departure with just the open road under a star-studded sky made it all worth-while.

Committed to giving his children an appreciation of this extraordinary country we live in, he drove 8,000 miles over 7 weeks on a grand tour of the United States, with 2 teenagers in the back seat and Nancy the navigator…Fred loved his family! The countless memories brought him great joy with each re-telling. Escorting his parents back to their native Germany for a three-week tour, Alaska cruises and spectacular sport fishing trips with his son Steve, travel equaled adventure and 'Fun was his game'.

Once retired from the day to day of operating a business, Fred turned his considerable business experience to supporting others in their endeavors. Thankful for the tremendous blessing in his life, Fred used his finely attuned business discernment to support numerous civic and philanthropic endeavors, including the Rotary International, Oxnard Convention and Visitors Bureau, Channel Islands Lessees and so many more. As the years passed, Fred actively sought out the Lord's direction in supporting individual projects within his adopted communities in Idaho and Arizona. He did not limit his support to finances, but also freely gave honest, insightful and respectful advice to anyone who needed it.

Fifty days before his 50th Wedding Anniversary, Fred lost his beloved Nancy. For some, this is reason to give up, but we witnessed Fred live his faith daily, obedient to the truth that God has a plan. Two years later, Fred was doubly blessed when he met Francine Poelstra, a beautiful woman who loved God and fishing as much as he did.

Franci brought life back to his broken heart when Franci said 'yes' in 2010. They were introduced to each other through mutual friends but didn't fall in love until about 2 months later. They both felt it was a God thing in the way He brought them together against all odds. Four and half months later they eloped like a couple of love-struck teenagers. They were happily married for 11 years in which they adventured and traveled together on trips like a once lifetime safari to Africa. In 2018 they bought another home in Oro Valley, AZ where they were enjoying the good life there when Fred's battle with COPD helped him to cross over to heaven with Jesus, his real lifetime home.

Radiating with love when he got to meet his 5th great grandson four days before his passing, Fred treasured his family, while always living life on his terms.

For all of us who have been blessed by having Fred in our lives, there is a legacy of strength, hard work and faith that will not be diminished. Most important to Fred, were his family and his faith in God. Fred is survived by his wife Francine and their extensive family: Martin Buenger, brother, Fred's daughter Jane Semones, and son Steve Buenger, His daughter in law, Maria Buenger and son in law, Eric Semones, step son Tom Ozanich and wife Lauriie, step daughter Julie Garza and husband Kerry.

His Grandchildren; Alexandra, Bryan, Tom, Katie, Megan, Melanie, Elise, Emily, Bailey, Tanner, Addison and Gina. Great grandchildren; Jameson, Logan, Declan, Rowan, Bennett Fredrick, Mia, Levi with two more on the way this spring.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Nancy, sisters Emma Lou and Elizabeth Ann, and his parents Erna and Fredrick H. Buenger. We love you Fred, and we pray that they will have extra crispy toast, aka. Fred Bread, in heaven.

Memorial services will be held at Calvary Chapel in Clark Fork, Idaho on May 8, 2021.