Fred E.
Aiken
Visitation at the Heritage Funeral Home
9200 S. 27th St. Oak Creek
Thursday, July 23 from 11 AM-1PM
Funeral Service 1 PM.
Fred Everett Aiken, age 73, returned home to the Lord on July 19, 2020, after courageous efforts in recovering from a stroke suffered four months earlier.
Fred was born to parents George and Esther (Watson) Aiken on October 1, 1946 and grew up with his younger brother Paul in Rumford, ME. Fred graduated from Stephens High School in 1964. A tinkerer from the start, he enjoyed helping is Grandpa Carl Watson with his chores and even built himself a minibike and a one-person hydroplane boat that may have gone nearly 50 mph. His mother was grateful when finally Fred retired this boat.
Fred served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee from 1964 to 1968. He was proud of his service at McMurdo Station in Antarctica from October 1964 to October 1965. His commanding officer commented that “he is willing to put forth that extra effort that is often required to get the job done in the best and most expedient manner.” Those who knew Fred would agree, he was a guy that could get the job done, and get it done right.
After the Navy, Fred returned home to Maine and began his career as a heavy truck mechanic. It was at his job at Sanborn’s Motor Express that he met his wife-to-be Rosanna Burnham. In December 1972, Fred and Rosanna married in a small ceremony at their home in South Portland, ME. Fred loved and cherished Rosanna’s son, Chris Aiken, and legally adopted him in July of 1973. In October of the same year, they became a family of four when Melissa Aiken was born. They enjoyed spending time at the family camp on Webb Lake in Weld, ME, and spent many hours on Fred’s prized Hobie Cat catamaran. Fred had several hobbies, including building model trains, playing cribbage, feeding the squirrels, and most of all spending time with his cats over the years.
Fred worked for several trucking companies, including Sanborn, APA, and finally retiring from Kris-Way in 2011. Fred and Rosanna were members of the Vineyard Church of Greater Portland, and also ran the church bookstore, until they moved to Caledonia, WI in 2014 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. They joined the Faith Community Church, where Fred served as Grounds Deacon for several years. He loved volunteering his time and skills to better his churches, whether in the Midwest or East Coast.
Fred is survived by his wife of 47 years, his beloved Rosanna (Burnham) Aiken; brother Paul (Judy) Aiken of Portland, ME; son Chris (Pam) Aiken of Oak Creek, WI; daughter Melissa (Joe) Zdanowicz of Kenosha, WI; granddaughters Mary Ann, Abigail, and June Aiken of Oak Creek, WI; grandson Luke Zdanowicz of Kenosha, WI; along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation at the Heritage Funeral Home 9200 S. 27th St. Oak Creek on Thursday, July 23 from 11 AM-1PM, Funeral Service 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials to H.O.P.E. Safehouse animal shelter in Racine, WI (hopesafehouse.org) are appreciated.
For the health and safety of all individuals, the number of guests allowed will be limited (50) and closely monitored (masks required please). We apologize for any inconvenience, and thank you for your patience.
heritagefuneral.com
Our lives were forever changed by the friendship of Fred and Rosanna. Always a smile, a challenge and a great love for the Lord. Our prayers go out to his family. May they find joy in knowing he is in the presence of our precious savior. Missed will be his generous heart and giving spirit. Until we meet again
Chris, Melissa and all you’re family’s, so sorry to hear of you’re dads passing. Much love to all of you . He was quite character and brought a lot fun to our family gatherings. Sure miss those times.
Aunt Betsy & Uncle Scott
Dearest Rosanna,
Our love we send to you this hard times. We love you.
Scott & Betsy
Rosanna, Chris, Miss
I am so saddened to hear this news. May your all your wonderful memories carry you through this. I so loved Fred and will miss him dearly.
Love and prayers to you Rosanna and Family. I will personally miss Fred. Last time I really talked to him was before the Corona and he was doing what he loved, building something for the kids downstairs at church. Has the Lord’s loving arms wrapped around him now and no more pain.
Fred was a great guy and good friend. We enjoyed our cribbage games over the years. Much love to Rosanna and family. ❤️
My sincere condolences to the family for your loss. I had a great deal of respect for Fred during the years that we worked together at Kris-Way Truck Leasing.
His character and mechanical talents are missed.
Dear Rosanna, Chris, Melissa and family, I was as shocked to read Fred passed away and know he was welcomed by the Lord with open arms. I can still recall his Maine voice and remember all the kind, helpful ways he lived to make the world a better place. Take care of each other, which was the plan when they moved closer to the kids and grands. May he rest in peace. Sending love and prayers to all and a big hug Rosanna. So very sorry for your loss.
We were saddened to hear of Fred’s stroke and even more saddened to find out that it ultimately took him from his life here on earth, but we do rejoice in knowing that he has gone on to his home in heaven and has no more sickness. We send our thoughts and prayers to his family and other loved ones, may you be comforted and at peace through the God and with your treasured memories of Fred. Though we had not been able to be together with Fred and Rosanna in quite a while, we cherished our friendship; enjoying fellowship, eating, and playing games together. Fred will be early missed.
I’d like to express my condolences to the families, I’m so sorry for your loss. Melissa I know how close you were to your dad and I’m sure your support amongst family is strong. Your support for me during my parents illness and eventual passings kept me sane and grounded. I know your faith in the Lord and strength of family ill help you all heal.