Frederick P. "Fred" Ewald Jr.

Appleton – Fred Ewald Jr., 88, passed away peacefully with family at his side on Monday, May 25, 2020, at Cherry Meadows Hospice, Appleton. Fred was born on March 25, 1932, in Saginaw, Michigan, the son of Frederick and Flora (Novak) Ewald. He won a small scholarship from his high school and used it to became the first in his family to attend Aquinas (MI) college; ultimately earning his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Kansas in 1962.

His career as a research chemist spanned 28 years at PPG Industries in Ohio and was followed by 9 years at Kimberly Clark, retiring in 1998. Fred was a very active member of Freedom Moravian Church and held many leadership positions. He loved playing the guitar, mentoring young pastors and building close relationships with members of the congregation. Fred was an enthusiastic participant in Silver Sneakers at Apple Creek Y, and played in golf leagues over the years. He enjoyed vacationing in Door County with family and friends at Little Sweden, and served on the board for twelve years.

Fred was a man of many interests: from building Heath-Kit TVs as a youth, his lifelong pursuit of photographic excellence, learning how things work, and exploring the chemistry of food in creative cookery. His inquiring mind was sharp, his wisdom impressive, and his love for people and nature was profound. Travel took him from Tibet, China, Mayan sites, Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, Russia, Alaska, and across Canada, but his favorite was exploring the woods of the UP.

Fred married Virginia Walker in 1982, and she predeceased him in 1987. After moving to Wisconsin he met Jayne (Seymour) Anderson on a blind date and they were married on August 13, 1994 in Neenah. They celebrated their 25th anniversary last summer with a trip to Scotland which focused on traditional harp music. In early March this year, they travelled to Puerto Rico where Fred had worked over 40 years ago only to discover ten days later that he had leukemia. She survives him.

Fred was an amazing stepfather to Virginia Schmitt, Mark (Alissa) Anderson, and Scott (Keith Pamperin) Anderson and wonderfully warm grandpa to Nancy Sherrill, Sloane and Rowan Anderson. He is also survived by his sisters Mary Ann Jahnke and Shirley Saltmarsh.

When asked to describe Fred, these were among the words: generous, articulate, nurturing, wry, smart, curious, patient, optimistic, calming, Renaissance Man, and great hugger!

The outdoor farewell to pay respects to Fred and his family will be available via drive-by visiting from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, on Monday, June 1, 2020, at Freedom Moravian Church, W3471 Center Valley Road, Appleton. A private family service of internment will be led by Rev. James Heroux at Oak Hill Cemetery, Neenah. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Freedom Moravian Church, W3471 Center Valley Road, Appleton, WI 54913 or online at https://mmfa.info/freedom-moravian-church-donation-form/ or to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. Fred has completed his earthly journey and is now in the nearer presence of God.

His family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Jack Meyer in our time of crisis and to the staff at Cherry Meadows Hospice for their loving care and compassion.