Fred was born in Winchester, Texas, on August 10, 1930 to Martin and Magadalena Mitschke. He became God’s child in the waters of holy baptism, August 17, 1930, at St. Michael’s Lutheran church in Winchester, Texas, by Erich Moebus. He was confirmed April 2, 1944 at St. Michael Lutheran church in Winchester, Texas by E.R. Rathgaber. Confirmation verse: The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life of whom shall I be afraid?
He served in the Army during the Korean conflict. He met the love of his life Elinora Mertink. They married on April 18, 1958 at St. Paul Lutheran church in Austin by Pastor Albert F. Jesse. From this marriage, they had one daughter.
He retired from Texas Electric Co-Op. He was a good mechanic, loved to fish with brothers in the Colorado river, loved to learn new things and have coffee with his HEB coffee friends.
Fred is preceded in death by his parents Martin and Magadalena (Lena) Mitschke, Viola Rathke and Husband Wilfred; Brothers Wilbert Mitschke and wife Evelyn; Edgar Mitschke; Melvin Mitschke and grandson Charles Marshall Amidon II.
Fred is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years Elinora Mertink Mitschke; daughter Judith (Steve) Bryson; great grandson Kaleb William Amidon and granddaughter-in-law Samantha Amidon. Brothers Clarence and wife Dianna Mitschke, sister-in-law Helen and husband Eric Schnieder and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
