Frederick Phelps

Frederick I. Phelps, 70, of Prairie du Chien, passed away Monday, June 21, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family. 

He was born July 18, 1950, in McGregor, Iowa, the son of Irvin and Mildred (Boege) Phelps. He grew up around the Motor Mill in Elkader, Iowa, and largely thought of this as home. He attended Elkader High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army and later served in the National Guard. He served his country for many years, gained the rank of Master Sergeant and became the area’s recruiter for the U.S. Army National Guard. 

Fred married Faye Ward in March of 2004 in Prairie du Chien. He enjoyed nature, hunting and fishing, walking in the woods, and working on cars. He also enjoyed hunting for mushrooms and arrowheads, collecting many throughout the years. Many of these hobbies took him back to the Motor Mill site in Clayton County, Iowa. He was very artistic and skillfully worked with wood and stained glass. 

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Faye; his children, Dawn and Chad Phelps; his mother, Mildred Boege Kennedy; his siblings, Evelyn (Ken Yoder) Moore, Julia Harbaugh, Wendy Schroeder, and Myron (Kris) Phelps; his grandchildren, Autumn, Alyssa Phelps, and Roman Yager; and stepsiblings, Laurie (Bernie) Christen, and Harold, David, and Lennie (Cathy) Beck. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Irvin; his sister, Linda Phelps; and his stepbrother, Milton Beck.   

A Memorial Service will be Saturday, July 10, at 11 a.m. at First Congregational Church in McGregor, Pastor William Gentry officiating. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of services. Military Honors will be accorded by the McGregor American Legion Post 305. 

The Garrity Funeral Home of Prairie du Chien is assisting the family. Condolences may be left at garrityfuneralhome.com.