Poet Donald Hall wrote, "The best moment of our lives was one quiet repeated day of work in our house." Fred D. Achatz, a man of repeated, quiet work, passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2018, at U. P. Health System Bell. His wife, Betty, partner for 64 years in that quiet work, and several of his children and a granddaughter were at his side.

Fred was born in Detroit on July 14, 1927. For over 50 years, he worked as a licensed Master Plumber, first in Detroit, then when he moved to Ishpeming in 1976. He married the love of his life, Betty, on October 3, 1953. Together, they went about the quiet work of raising nine children.

Everyone who knew Fred respected his integrity, humor, and loyalty. During the Korean War, he served in the 163 ^rd Battalion as Honor Guard for the President of the United States in Fort Knox, Kentucky. In 1980, he opened the Plumbery Home Center and ran it with his family until he retired. A lifetime member of the Ishpeming Elks, he served as an officer and Exalted Ruler for the lodge. He was a member of Saint John the Evangelist parish for almost 40 years, where he served as an usher.

Other quiet work Fred enjoyed was gardening, reading books of history, and deer hunting out at his camp on the Flat Rock. He was a small flint of a man, but he struck abundant sparks out of life. His fire will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Fred is survived by wife Betty Achatz, three sons - Fred (Diane) Achatz of Macungie, PA, Paul J. Achatz of Kingsford and Martin (Beth) Achatz of Ishpeming, four daughters- Ruth Achatz of Ishpeming, Beverly Achatz of Ishpeming, Rosemarie Achatz of Ishpeming, and Mary Beth (Brad) Wegrzyn of Kennewick, WA, a sister Aileen VanTiem of St. Clair, MI, a brother John (Marian) Achatz of St. Clair Shores, MI, grandchildren – Celeste, Gideon, Adam, Matthew, Catherine, Jacob, Zachary, Sarah, Christopher, Heather, Shannon and Jesse along with great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, a son Kevin, a daughter Sally J., a brother Bud Achatz and a sister Ursula Miller.

Fred's family will greet relatives and friends on Friday February 16, 2018 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home where the Ishpeming ELKS Lodge will conduct a memorial service at 6:00 pm and the Holy Rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm.

Fred's family will also receive relatives and friends from 10:00-11:00 am on Saturday February 17, 2018 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ishpeming where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am with Fr. Larry Van Damme officiating. A luncheon will follow at K/D Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice in memory of Fred.

Fred's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

Fred's funeral service recording may be listened to here .