The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Fred J. Aegerter was born in Reconvilier, Switzerland on April 5, 1946 to Gottfried and Frieda (Wuhl) Aegerter. He passed away February 15, 2019 in Woodland, Washington at the age of 72.

Fred’s family came to Canada in 1948 with Fred spending his second birthday aboard ship on the Atlantic. Seven years later the family moved from Quebec to the Pacific Northwest in search of a place with a milder climate. The family eventually settled on Puget Island in 1956.

After Fred graduated from Wahkiakum High School in 1964, he served in the U.S. Army. His service included a tour of duty in Vietnam with the 17th Artillery that was attached to the 1st Air Cavalry. He remained in contact with many of his Army buddies until his death.

On May 1, 1971, he married Rita (Kooki) Alberding, and together partnered with Fred’s brother John in the operation of the family dairy farm. They were dedicated dairy farmers with the reputation of running an impeccably clean farm.

Fred’s service to the community spanned many decades. He served as Commissioner for the Puget Island Fire Department for 33 years, and as a board member of the Cathlamet FFA Agricultural Advisory Board for more than 20 years. He also was a county committeeman for the Farm Service Agency for 25 years, which gained him the distinction as the longest serving FSA committeeman in U.S. history. In addition, he was an active member of the Oldsmobile Club of Oregon, where he and his 1967 Oldsmobile were notorious for cleaning up awards.

Throughout his life he remained in contact with his relatives in Switzerland and his former classmates in Canada. Fred also enjoyed woodworking, classic cars, history, and travel. His favorite trips included hiking the Bernese Alps and Canadian Rockies; Branson, Missouri; and traveling by train. Fred was outgoing, personable, and proud of his family and Swiss heritage. He will be remembered for his smile, rosy cheeks, the ability to tell a good story, and maybe a little mischief here and there.

Fred is survived by his wife Kooki and brother John of Puget Island, son Tony (Annalei) of Puget Island, daughter Anna of Portland, and son Alex of Pullman. He is also survived by two adored grandchildren, Jarrett and Nora. He was preceded in death by his mother and father.

At Fred’s request there was no service. Memorial contributions can be made to the VFW Post 5297 (c/o William Tawater, 80 N. Welcome Slough Road, Cathlamet) or the Cathlamet FFA.

- Paid Obituary -