Fred J. Fox

Fred Fox, 99, of Beal City passed away peacefully Monday, October 15, 2007 at Prestige Centre in Mt. Pleasant. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 18, at St. Joseph The Worker Church in Beal City with his son, Father Melvin Fox presiding, Father Thomas J. McNamara concelebrating, and Deacon Larry Fussman assisting. Friends may call at Lux Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. with a vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation continues in the gathering room at church on Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the Mass begins. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph The Worker Church building fund or Hospice of Central Michigan. Envelopes are available at Lux Funeral Home. Fred was born Feb. 5, 1908 in Isabella County, the son of Mathias and Mary (Bauer) Fox. He married Rose Fussman on May 12, 1936 at St. Philomena Church in Beal City. A life resident of the area, Fred farmed all his life. Before the Great Depression he had also worked at an automotive factory in Lansing for a couple of years. Because of his self-sufficient craftsmanship he was a great problem solver. Fred was very dedicated to his faith and his family, especially his grandchildren. As a member of St. Joseph Parish he served on the Parish Council and as a lector. He was a charter member and past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 3651. Fred is survived by his wife of 71 years, Rose Fox; eight children, Father Melvin Fox of Ionia, Lloyd (Serena) Fox of Richland, Dorothy Kapral of Oshkosh, WI, Grace (Garald) Moeggenborg of Portland, Gladys (Ron) Bird of Long Beach, CA, Alice Spayd of Weidman, Beatrice (Bruce) Patrick of Grayling, and Leonard (Janet) Fox of Hancock; 31 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Edna Rau and Ella Clare, both of Beal City. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Eric Spayd; two sons-in-law, John Kapral and Ed Spayd; four brothers, Sylvester, Edwin, Herman, and Anthony Fox; and four sisters, Alma Gross, Rosa Hauck, Anna Gross, and Irene Tilmann.