Frederick Donald Ansell
July 18,1933 – May 5, 2023
“Fred” was born to Frederick and Sylvia Ansell (née Sharapata) in Chicago, Illinois on July 18, 1933. He passed away surrounded by his loving family on May 5, 2023 in Ocala, FL.
Fred grew up in the Chicago area and attended Kelvyn Park High School in Chicago. After graduation, Fred enlisted and proudly served in the United States Air Force in the 2nd TAC Dep Squadron from 1952-1956.
While on leave from the Air Force, Fred met the love of his life, June Danielson. This was a chance meeting on a Saturday Night ballroom dance floor with Big Band music. It is recalled that he married June because he liked the way she looked and that she could “follow” his dance steps. On March 2, 1957, the couple married at The Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Waupaca, WI
Forever in love, the couple recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.
Fred is survived by his wife June and their four children: Kathleen (Kitty) S. Balchunas, Karen M. Himes (Mark), Kristine (Kristy) E. Yopp (Jim), and Scott F. Ansell (Julie) as well as eight grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Fred was employed with General Electric for many years in Milwaukee, WI and then in 1966 moved the family to Clearwater, FL. There he continued his career with General Electric at the Pinellas Plant in Largo, FL. Fred and June raised their four children in Clearwater and after retiring in 1992, he enjoyed a long and wonderful retirement with June by his side.
Throughout his life, Fred enjoyed spending time and doing activities with June, the family and many close friends. He enjoyed wilderness camping, scuba diving, spearfishing, gardening, military memorabilia and the family pet Fritz, a pure-bred German Shepherd. He also enjoyed getting dressed-up and attending musical and theatrical performances at Ruth Eckerd Hall with June.
Fred will forever be remembered by his numerous friends and neighbors as someone who was kind, friendly, helpful and capable. He was always generous with his time and his many friends fondly speak of how he was always busy doing something for the family, the house or enjoying his many hobbies and personal passions.
Fred was a long-time member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Clearwater, FL He was preceded in death by his parents (Fred and Sylvia), brother (Dennis), sister (Jan) and other relatives.
Memorial services will be held on June 7th. 10:00am at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services located at 910 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala FL. After the service, there will be a Veterans Service and Burial at the Florida National Cemetery (Bushnell, FL).