Fredrick Schaan

Fredrick Joseph Schaan, 82, of Ellensburg and formerly of Zillah, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, April 30, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.

The Rosary will be recited on Sunday, May 6th starting at 10:30 AM and viewing continuing until 2:00 PM at Steward & Williams Funeral Home in Ellensburg. A celebration of life will be held later this summer.

Fred was born on June 9, 1935 in Rugby, North Dakota, the middle of ten children born to Wendell & Magdalena (Heit) Schaan. He grew up in North Dakota and attended school through the 8th grade. He met Sharon Anne Rockert in 1955 at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Minot, ND and the two hit it off quickly. They married on January 7, 1957 and made their home in Minot before moving to Buena, Washington in 1962 and then to Zillah in 1965. As a child of the depression, Fred knew the value of hard work and being frugal. He was very driven to succeed and worked very hard to provide for his family. He began by purchasing one orchard in Buena before relocating to Zillah and establishing his farming operation, purchasing one orchard at a time, until he owned and farmed 160 acres of apple, pear and cherry orchards. Additionally, Fred worked at the sugar beet factory and for Boise Cascade to supplement his income in the off season. After retiring in 1996 and passing the operation of the orchards down to his son Joel, Fred and Sharon spent many hours fishing and traveling the country in their RV.

Fred enjoyed "tinkering" and woodworking. His grandchildren fondly remember the chairs and wooden horses that he built them, and many others remember the walnut jewelry he crafted by hand. Fred was a hard-working family man who always found the best in people. He was always willing to lend a hand to someone in need. He had old school values when it came to his word. A handshake deal was as good as any contract. Fred and Sharon looked forward to hosting family gatherings. Family from all over the country would visit for summer barbecues.

Fred was a member of Resurrection Catholic Church in Zillah as well as St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Ellensburg. He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus. His was a devout Catholic with his wife, Sharon and his faith sustained him through many trials in life.

Fred is survived by his children Joel (Joann) Schaan of Ellensburg; Sharon (Bryan) Horton of Richland; Sandy Thompson of Ellensburg and Jane Boglivi of Gold Bar; siblings Wendell, Frank, Rose and Dennis from North Dakota; 14 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren and multiple nieces, nephews and. In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his wife Sharon; son Josh; daughter Carla and his siblings Ralph, Joe, Walter, Julius and Louis. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions in Fred's honor to Kittitas Valley Home Health and Hospice. Steward & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellensburg has been entrusted with caring for Fred's family. Online condolences may be left at www.steward-williams.com