Thief River Falls – Fredrick “Fred” Dablow, 83, of Thief River Falls, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at the Thief River Care Center, Thief River Falls, with his loving family by his side.
Fredrick Charles Dablow was born on May 24, 1939 in Thief River Falls, the son of Charles and Charlotte (McAnnany) Dablow. He was raised in Thief River Falls, attending Northrop Elementary and graduating from Lincoln High School class of 1957. He attended one year at Moorhead State and one year at St. Cloud State.
Fred joined the US Army on July 18, 1961 and served his country until his honorable discharge on November 1, 1962.
On September 5, 1964 he was united in marriage to Karen Elg in Goodridge. To this union two children were born, Carla and Charles.
On November 18, 1978 he was united in marriage to Marion (Hogenson) Leppala in Ironwood, MI. To this union, Marion brought 3 children, Kelly, Gene and Lori.
Following Fred’s discharge from the Army, he worked for Coca Cola in Nebraska. In 1969, he moved to Thief River Falls and worked for Solheim Furniture until 1977. He then worked for Tony Dorn, where he was employed until his retirement in 2003.
Fred enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and his “midlife crisis car” – his 1989 Honda Prelude. He could visit with anyone he met. He was very personable and funny. He frequently would go for a drive with Marion and end up on some back road or a long forgotten alley someplace in town. Trips to the Dairy Queen for a dilly bar or strawberry shake or a senior McDonald’s coffee were a common excursion. He also loved dressing in bright colors such as red, purple, pink and yellow. He loved his shoes – particularly his bright red sneakers. He liked to putz in the yard – planting flowers with Marion, trimming bushes and mowing the lawn. On the frequent fishing trips to Lake of the Woods, there was a good chance he would always forget something (minnow bucket, net, tackle box).
He was a member of the Volunteer Fire Department in Thief River Falls from April 1970 until April of 1990. He was also a member of the Thief River Falls Golf Club, the American Legion and the Eagles.
Fred is survived by his loving wife, Marion, of 44 years; children, Kelly Turner of Ramsey, Gene (Carolyn) Leppala of Shakopee, Carla Meneghini of Duluth, Charles (Elisabeth) Dablow of Reston, VA and Lori (Kevin) Heidelberger of Farmington; grandchildren, Garrett Heidelberger, Emily Heidelberger, Charlotte Meneghini, Kasey Meneghini, Isabelle Leppala, Carson Meneghini, Talulla Leppala, Ingrid Dablow and Charles Dablow; along with several cousins.
Fred is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Charlotte Dablow; in-laws, Ernest and Marie Hogenson; brother-in-law, Ray Hogenson; and son-in-law, Steve Turner.
A special Thank you to Fair Meadows, Fertile, and the Thief River Care Center, Thief River Falls, for all the love and care they provided for Fred.
Funeral service for Fred will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, with Reverend Marlene Anderson officiating. Burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Thief River Falls Education Foundation.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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