Fred Kickertz

Fred Eugene Kickertz, age 78, passed away peacefully in at-home hospice care in Plymouth, Minnesota

on  Monday, March 27, 2017 after a four- year struggle with Parkinson’s  Disease.  He was born on November 10, 1938 in Grand Rapids, MN. and grew up in Glenwood, Minnesota.

He is survived by Betty (Brown), his wife of fifty-six years , brother Allan (Kathy) Kickertz, sisters Virginia Kickertz, Betty Jean (Lee) Recknor and Genevieve Murtaugh; step-mother Erma Kickertz, seven nieces and nephews, thirteen grand nieces and nephews and many friends worldwide.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Otto Kickertz, Myrtle (Bragg) Kickertz and his younger brother James.

Fred graduated from Moorhead State University and began his career as a Chemical Engineer studying pyrethrins  in East Africa.  After two years they returned to Minneapolis where he completed his MBA in Business at the University of Minnesota.  Following his graduation they spent 9 months backpacking their way around the world.

Following their return to the Twin Cities, Fred joined Peat-Marwick & Mitchell where he worked towards and obtained his CPA accreditation and received the annual Harold C. Utley Award from the Minnesota Board of Accountancy as the student receiving the highest score statewide on the CPA examination.  He went on to complete many years as a successful businessman and entrepreneur as well as a teacher and adjunct professor of accounting.  In recent years one of his most valued career endeavors was working with his brother Jim and his company K & J Woodworks.

Fred was a man of diverse interests and strong opinions.  He traveled widely through his life, both personally and professionally, visiting sixty-one countries.  He was a very keen and excellent poker player, which he took much delight in as well as an amateur performing actor, having the major role in two high school plays along with one in college.  He is loved and will be missed by many family members and long-time friends.  In 1970 he made a long-term investment in the future of medical research with a decision to will his body, upon his death, to the University of Minnesota through its Anatomy Bequest Program.

Donations preferred to either:   The Allina Health Hospice Foundation, 3915 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN., 55422, (612) 775-2550 or the Struthers Parkinson’s  Center, 6701 Country Club Drive, Minneapolis, MN., 55427, (952) 993-5495.

Visitation 1 hour prior to service.

Saturday, August 5, 2017 11:00 AM

Gearty-Delmore Plymouth Chapel 15800 37th Avenue North Plymouth, MN 55446

Visitation 1 hour prior to service.