Fred Fibeger

Fred Michael [Mike] Fibeger, 80, passed away on September 7th, 2024 from Myotonic Dystrophy at his home in Rochester, MN surrounded by his family.

Fred was born July 7, 1944 to Fred E. Fibeger and Betty [Berger] Fibeger in LaCrosse, WI. As a youth he proudly earned his Eagle Scout Award in Boy Scouts of America. He attended LaCrosse public schools and the University of WI at LaCrosse obtaining a degree in Recreation. Upon graduation he went to serve his basic training in the U.S Army Reserves at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. His Reserve unit was based in Onalaska, WI where he served for six years. After basic training he attended the U. Of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois for graduate work in Park and Recreation Administration. Fred spent his entire career with the Rochester Park and Recreation department, first as assistant Recreation Director, and then as the first Director of the Rochester Olmsted Recreation Center on North Broadway until his retirement. He was an active member of the Southern MN Recreation and Park Association and was always proud to be a part of Rochester's Park and Recreation department.

Family was everything to Fred. He met his wife Rosanne [Hanson] while attending the U of WI at LaCrosse. They were married at First Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI on August 10, 1968. Their marriage spanned 56 wonderful years and together raised three children, Krista, Sarah, and Jon and treasured many special times with them and their seven grandchildren. He and Rosanne shared a love of traveling and enjoyed fantastic trips to areas of the US and many countries in Europe and Africa. However, times spent on Paradise Farm near Onalaska, WI where Rosanne grew up and times spent with his family were what he loved the most.

Fred was always a lover of sports from playing sandlot baseball to coaching his kid's teams or cheering them on the sidelines, to being a staunch fan of his Packers, Badgers, and Brewers. He and Rosanne often loved hosting "play off or Super Bowl parties" for their Viking friends when the Packers were in the running. His love of fishing was often shared with his son Jon on fishing trips or with their time given to Trout Unlimited stream improvement projects.

At age 60 Fred was in need of a heart transplant. He received that very special gift extending his life on August 24, 2005. For the next 19 years each day was seen as a gift that he and his family will forever be grateful for. A few years after transplant he was diagnosed with Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy which over several years slowly weakened his muscles until he became wheelchair bound and completely dependent on others for his personal needs. Despite his circumstances, Fred never felt sorry for himself, but always remained positive and thankful for his blessings. In his post transplant years, he treasured times spent with his grandkids and despite his physical limitations, with Roses's help, he found ways to attend their events whenever possible.

Fred was an active member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church serving on the church council, several boards and committees, ushering team, Backpack ministry, the CareTeam, and teaching Sunday school for many years.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Conrad and Ruth Hanson, son-in-law Jerry Olivier, brother-in-law Sigurd Hanson and sister in law, Yemi Sebsibe-Hanson.

Fred is survived by his loving wife "Rose", daughters Krista Olivier, Sarah [Matthew] Marohl, and son Jon [Emily] Fibeger and grandchildren, Reagan and Ian Olivier, Noa and Greta Marohl, and Maija, Brodie, and Ava Fibeger. His sister Susan [Keith] Behnke, brother Tom [Ann] Fibeger, in-laws Eric Hanson, Signe [Dave] Thompson, and several nieces, nephews and many cherished friends.

The family wishes to thank Mayo's Heart transplant team for extending Fred's life, Mayo Hospice for their wonderful care during Fred's last months, the pastors of Gloria Dei, and the many friends and family for their caring visits.

Service will be held Tuesday September 17th, 2024 at 11:00 am at Gloria Dei Lutheran (1212 12th Ave NW, Rochester) with visitation an hour before the service and Monday from 4:00-7:00 pm at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home (5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester). Memorials may be given to Mayo Hospice, Gift of Life Transplant House, and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in LaCrosse, WI.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Fibeger family.