I first met Fred after I bought a clock at a local antique shop, and it broke after a few months.  I contacted the antique shop, and they put me in touch with him (the clock was at the store on consignment).  Fred readily repaired the clock, and over a 10-yr plus time span, Fred repaired and maintained at least 30-clocks for me.  
He bought a few from me, and I bought several from him, and there were a few swaps, also.  We became close friends.  I was 36-years his junior, so he was like a Grandfather to me.  
Many times I'd drive an hour to drop off a clock or two (I lived in Oak Park at the time) and end up hanging out for an hour or two, sitting at Fred & Fay's kitchen table, or out in that wondrous garage.  Boy, did he have some stories!  He was a wonderful guy; the salt of the earth.  After a while, I had him repairing other things, also; he loved the challenge.
Unfortunately I lost touch with him for a  couple of years during my divorce process, and found out he had passed away in the interim.
He made an indelible impression on me, and I am forever enriched by the experience.  I aspire to be as independent, savvy, kind, and as sharp as he was right up until the end.  He really was an icon.
Rest in Peace, Fred.

Stephen Kovats
Westchester, Illinois

Since moving up to wis. 6 yrs ago and having very little internet service I am away from Crystal lake activity. My husband just happened to see this. Paula and family..I am so sorry. Had no idea that fay passed away in 2014. My mom and dad I know are welcoming Fred at this very moment. They were the bestest of neighbors!! The good ole days that they would always talk about.  Again, I m so sorry that I am out of the local news. Debbie schauble(miller).

I was a good friend of Fred & Fay at the First United Church of Crystal Lake, and he was a grateful recipient of God's Amazing Grace. Fred & Fay joined the church during its downtown location at the corner of Brink & Williams St. In 1954, when the church decided to move to its current location, Fred was on the Board of Trustees and helped facilitate the move including parts of the stained glass window that faced East toward the parsonage and parts of the boiler and organ pipes. The pews that were ordered had not been delivered, so in January of 1955, Fred went out to Montgomery Ward to buy folding chairs to fill the Sanctuary. Fred continued to serve the Church until shortly before his death usually wearing his three piece suit and his hat on occasion. He regularly served as an usher during worship and was a participating member to the Historical Team to honor our 150th Anniversary in the town of Crystal Lake.
Fred will not forgotten. Don Rosborough

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Fred T. Etheridge Jr.

February 13, 1917 – September 10, 2017

Querhammer & Flagg Funeral Home

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