Frederick P. ten Napel

Frederick “Fred” Pershing ten Napel, 92, passed away peacefully Saturday, September 11, 2010, at his home in Ventura, where he had lived the past 38 years. He was born September 13, 1918 in Sasco, Arizona. Soon after, his family moved to Los Angeles, where he grew up with his sister and two brothers.

Fred’s college education at UCLA and then UC Berkeley was cut short by World War II, and at the of age 21, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. After training at Chanute Air Base, Illinois, he was sent to Minter Field, Bakersfield, where he worked as a communications officer. It was there that he met the love of his life, Kathleen Struempf. Their plans of a life together were put on hold when Fred was deployed to the war in Europe, where he worked reclaiming and repairing war planes. Upon his safe return, he and Kathleen were married December 9, 1945 in Wasco, California; they were blessed with 65 loving years of marriage.

Fred and Kathleen began their married life together in Los Angeles; they lived with Fred's brother, Jack, and his wife, while Fred built a house for his wife and future family. The happy couple spent many years in that home, where they experienced the joys and tribulations of raising three daughters and a menagerie of pets.

Fred spent 25 years with the Los Angeles Fire Department, retiring as a captain. Upon retirement and with an empty nest, Fred and Kathleen moved to Ventura and basked in the area's perfect weather. They joined Sacred Heart Church, where Fred was very active through the years as a lay minister, usher, and lector. He took communion to the sick at the Ventura County Medical Center, and was also active in the St. Vincent De Paul Society.

Fred was highly respected and loved by all who knew him. He will be forever missed as a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; brother, Jack; daughters and sons-in-law, Marsha and Geof Martin, Janis and Greg McElroy, and Yvonne and Mark Kantor; grandchildren, Aaron (Salena), Julie (Kevin), Marika (Ben), Barbara, Amber (Joey), Molly, Caitlin, and Kathleen; and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral mass will be celebrated 10 a.m., Friday, September 17, 2010 at Sacred Heart Church, 10800 Henderson Rd., Ventura, with the Reverend Cyprian Carlo officiating. A reception in Biederman Hall will immediately follow. Graveside services will be 2:30 p.m., also Friday, at the Santa Clara Cemetery, 2370 North H St., Oxnard, where military honors will be rendered.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Church.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be left at www.TedMayrFuneralHome.com.