Obituary, Frederick Clarence Angerman Sr., 82

Frederick Clarence Angerman Sr., passed away on June 27, 2015, after a long struggle with cancer at the age of 82. Born September 3, 1932, Fred was the second of four children to Austrian immigrant parents Fritz and Helen Angerman, which they raised on "Angerman's Corner." Fred acquired his parent's tireless work ethic, as his family claimed he "hadn't taken a day off since 3rd grade." After Fritz suffered a stroke in 1949, Fred took over the family business, Royal Blue Cab, at the age of 17 to support his mother and siblings.

Fred married Mercedes Prescott in 1956 and together they raised four children. He supported his family in any way he could, driving cabs and oil trucks, working the dredge in Kodiak before the big earthquake, and spending a stint in Pelican. But Fred always ended up back home in Wrangell.

In 1961, Fred and his brother Leonard bought the Totem Bar from Doc Wheeler, a business the brothers ran successfully for nearly 50 years. In 1977, Fred took on an additional job as Port Director for Wrangell Stevedoring when log and lumber ships from Japan ran steadily into Wrangell. He also worked for Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska as the Wrangell representative, eventually retiring from the position in 2005.

A staunch supporter of his community, Fred was a long-time member of the Wrangell Volunteer Fire Dept., served on the City Council, was a member of the Elk's and the Pioneers, and proudly served on the Derby Committee. Fred loved to fish, always keeping the freezer stocked for his children, grandchildren and others. He will go down in Wrangell history as the winner of the first ever King Salmon Derby in 1953 with a 45.3 lb. salmon, earning the top prize of a 3-horse kicker. He also earned a good ribbing, as Mercedes, his girlfriend at the time, baited the winning hook.

Fred was an amazing man. He never gave up, fighting to live forever so he could give back to everyone. Fred would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He never met a stranger. Fred was a friend to all and everyone he would meet. Everyone can tell a story about Fred, a man that gave a lecture like no other. Just ask his kids. Each lecture aimed towards his sons always ended with "and get a haircut."

Fred is preceded in death by his parents Fritz and Helen, and his beloved son Kyle. He is survived by his wife of 59 years Mercedes, his siblings Helen (Perk), Leonard (Kathie), Dick (Barbara), his sons Frederick Jr. (Sumi), and Jeff (Dawn), and his daughter Mercedes. Grandchildren Aaron (Mikki), Cody (Anna), Brad (Kayleigh), Rachel (Patrick), and Aminda Skan, great-grandchildren Antionette Hastings, Griffey Angerman, Alex and Devlyn Campbell, Kyler Angerman, and the family of Mickey Prescott, and countless nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, at St. Philips Episcopal Church, with a reception to immediately follow at the Nolan Center. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wrangell Search and Rescue and the Elk's Scholarship Fund.