Frederick Paul Baxendale

April 10, 1949 - September 30, 2021

Frederick “Fred” Paul Baxendale, 72, of Lincoln, passed away Thursday, September 30, 2021. He was born on April 10, 1949 to Ralph and Inez (Thrasher) Baxendale in Rochester, NY. After graduating from Williamson Central high school, he entered the United States Air Force in which he served in from 1969-1973.

Fred is survived by his children; Heather and husband Brian Bohling and Michael Baxendale along with their mother Linda Hill; Michael Brazington, Steven Stump, and Kaylee Baxendale along their mother Joan Baxendale; grandchildren; Michaela, Colby, Tristan, Sascha, Sophie, Austin, Tyler, Madison, and Olivia; great grandchildren, Zoey, Kieran, Zyllis, Thomas, and Evelyn; his brother William and wife Elizabeth; and nephew, Thomas Baxendale.

Family was one of the most important parts in Fred’s life. He loved teaching his children and grandchildren all about “nature’s wonderous pageantry”. He supported all things Nebraska especially football Saturdays. Afternoon bike rides, nature walks, and cheering on his grandchildren were some of his favorite activities. Fred was a renaissance man; passionate about insects, an avid follower of the weather, and a birdwatcher. He was an enthusiastic gardener, raising flowers, fruits and vegetables in his large gardens. As a beekeeper, he produced wonderful honey. Fred also held a pilot’s license for small aircrafts. He was known for his expertise at the barbeque grill, including his wonderful barbequed chicken.

Fred was an internationally known expert on turf insects. He received his Ph.D. from Texas A&M University in 1983, majoring in Entomology. Fred was a member of the University of Nebraska Lincoln, Department of Entomology from 1984 until he retired in 2018 as Professor Emeritus, after 33 years of service. He was the mentor for many graduate students at UNL.

Fred received many awards for community service and service to the profession, including being named an Honorary Member of the Entomological Society of America. He served as President of ESA's North Central Branch. His accomplishments were recognized by a variety of professional groups, and he was honored with the ESA Distinguished Achievement Award in Extension, the NCB Distinguished Achievement Award in Extension, the Excellence in Extension Award - North Central Region, the ESA Recognition Award in Urban Entomology, the Extension Award of Merit, and many others. He was the author of many scientific papers. In Nebraska he was well known as a member of the Backyard Farmer panel on PBS and was a popular presenter at many events such as Bug Bash and the Spring Creek Audubon Center’s Twilight in the Tall Grass celebration in Denton Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Fred’s memory may be given to Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center or The Lincoln Children’s Zoo.