Fredrick Walter Mackeben

Fredrick Walter Mackeben
June 2, 1937 - January 15, 2023 

On a warm, sunny morning of June 2, 1937, blue-eyed baby Fredrick was introduced to his loving parents, Louise and Fredrick Mackeben at Oak Park Hospital, Illinois.  He was a blessing and joy to the entire Mackeben clan.  Eighty-five and one half years later the Lord welcomed him back to Paradise on Sunday, January 15, 2023 and relieved Fred of his debilitating Alzheimer’s Disease.
Fred grew up in River Grove, Illinois where, even at that time, he enjoyed the outdoors.  He would swim in the river and spend hours exploring the woods with his friends.   As a young adult, he served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany.  Later he worked for the Franklin Park Post Office, and had an excellent work ethic.  Following retirement, he worked several part time jobs.  Fred enjoyed working with his hands and building and designing many home improvements.   Fred was very active in the Boy Scouts of America and took his family camping as well.  
Fred married his wife Ruth in 1988.  They were active Board Members of the First United Methodist Church of Franklin Park.   Fred and Ruth eventually retired and moved to Michiana Shores, Indiana, along Lake Michigan.  There he volunteered as the mailman at the Franciscan Health of Michigan City.  He was an accomplished gardener and loved to walk his dogs along the lake.  He enjoyed maintaining his home and garden.   Along with Ruth, he enjoyed seeing the many national preserves offered by traveling the United States, building long lasting friendships along the way.
While he enjoyed the outdoors, his greatest love was his family.  Fred is survived by his dear wife, Ruth, and his children (daughter Lynette Miller and husband Ronald, son Steven Mackeben, son John Mackeben); his step-children (step-son John Kubicz, step-son Edward A. Kubicz and wife Lisa, step-grandchildren Alan Kubicz and Joseph Kubicz, step-daughter Patricia Colbert).  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Elinor Reader.
Fred was loved by all who met him and enjoyed his stories, sense of humor, laughter, and his signature smile.  This Irishman had a great wit and sense of humor. He was an individual who was a friend to all and would assist anyone at any time.  He led a full life, and taught his family how to laugh and play with gusto.  The world was a better place because of Fred, and now his light has dimmed.  We now we say farewell to a gentle, sensitive man who loved, laughed, cried, and brought joy to all who knew him.  On the morning of January 15, 2023 at 6:07 am he died in the loving arms of his wife.  God called him home to rest saying, “Well done!”
A memorial service will be conducted at 1:30 pm Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Angelo's Ristorante & Banquets, 247 N. York Rd., Elmhurst, IL 60126. The Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Michigan City, IN is handling arrangements.

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