A life well lived

Even though he died of cancer only a few weeks ago, his writing and his activism, both in local issues and Democratic politics, lives on.

As nearly as we can tell, he didn’t change his party affiliation in his last months. He loved to tell the story of his Volga German loyal Democrat grandfather who did just that. When questioned on his deathbed about his decision, said, “Well, if this reduces Republican’s numbers by just one, I’ll have done a good thing.”

Fred often donated goods to the Democratic auction at their annual Topeka get-together. He hosted fund-raisers for the governor and for other Democratic candidates. But Fred was loyal to more than the Democratic party; he was loyal to people, and to the good they can do when they join together to do the right thing.

Fred actively sought truth, and he was a vital part of the North Central Kansas group we called Awakenings, so named because many of us had been sleep-walking through life. We published a newsletter and hosted more than 23 events, speakers, Earth Day celebrations, and just potlucks where concerned citizens could get together to discuss the alarming trends in our society, books which shed light on them, and actions we might take to make them better. One speaker was Sam Day.

Sam founded Nukewatch, was an editor of Progressive magazine, and had made a career of awakening people to the nuclear threat, including an occupation of 10 missile sites in Missouri. After his visit, in an effort to awaken people to the threat of nuke transportation, we put up a sign outside Concordia on Highway 81: “Drive Safely: Nuclear materials travel these roads.”

This homemade beauty came from Fred’s then siding business. We cut out, hammered together, and raised that brown aluminum flag of fresh consciousness while drinking coffee, laughing, sharing stories, and enjoying the day. It was a great feeling, knowing people would see that historical marker and think more carefully about the connection between the unseen nuclear establishment and the road they saw beneath their vehicles every day.

Today we have an administration pushing with a straight face to get “low-level” nuclear bunker-busters, as if they were new toys at FAO Schwartz. It’s sign-raisin’ time again.

Fred’s lowly space in the janitorial headquarters of the Mitchell County Courthouse belied his education and influence. He kept things clean and functioning, but he roto-rooted minds as efficiently and lovingly as he did the plumbing. He was at Beloit’s center, physically at the courthouse and intellectually, through his stimulating Beloit Call columns.

He and his brother were one of the area’s first protest at Fort Benning’s “School of the Americas,” a U.S. Army “anti-terrorism” base which trained the killers of nuns and numerous other innocents in Central America. His motto could be his home office sign, by Ivone Gebara: “When you invite people to think, you invite revolution.”

Fred’s revolution was a revolution of love. Fred and Nadine had 2 adopted families, one from Peru, the family of a former exchange student. The other was a Croatian family adopted through a Catholic program. Even at considerable expense for their modest means, they visited Croatia and saw first-hand the effects of U.S. bombing and the genocidal destruction of whole villages.

Then Fred came home to write and give presentations about it. That was his essence, and his challenge to us.

His home and office signs offer that challenge anew: “God is too big to fit inside one religion.” “Compassion is the best revenge.” “I’m straight but not narrow.” “Execute justice, not people.”

Other home wall-hangings reveal Fred’s many facets: “I’m the boss.” “The opinions of the man of this house don’t necessarily reflect those of the management.” Nadine’s valentine card of 4 years ago. An art work, the gift of a small child. And a picture of Dennis Kucinich.

In an era when the leader letter W seems to quintessentially stand for Waste, Fred would have none of it. As one friend remarked, “I didn’t necessarily agree with Fred, but I couldn’t help but admire the courage of his convictions.”

Indeed.

Fred left one more sign. It reads:

Live well.
Love much.
Laugh often.

We Will. With Wider eyes ‘cause of you, dear friend.

Go in Peace.