Frederick "Fred" Michael Tegge, age 79, of Neenah, passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at ThedaCare Hospital of Neenah.  He was born on August 25, 1945, to the late Frederick and Ella (Gross) Tegge in Milwaukee.  Fred married Penelope Cline on April 15, 1972.  He graduated from Washington High School in 1964.  Fred then attended UW Stevens Point and MATC.  In 1968 he joined the 128th National Guard Air Refueling group as a traditional guardsman and an aircraft mechanic and boom operator on a KC 97.  It was there he met the love of his life.

After leaving the guard Fred became a boiler operator at Oak Creek Power Plant.  From there, he became a machinist where he found joy in the precision of that style of work.  Fred also owned several small businesses.

Fred's hobbies included a vast variety of interests including: aviation, pigeon racing, and stamp and coin collecting.  But his true love and obsession was as an amateur HAM radio operator (callsign N9FT) where he talked to people all over the world.

Fred is survived by his wife of 52 years, Penny; four children: Bob (Janet) Tegge, Rich (Katie) Tegge, Katie (Cory) Woldt, and Bonnie (Kris) Castillo; 12 grandchildren; one great grandchild; sister Sandra Bratz; and other relatives and friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Gary Bratz.

A Memorial Service for Fred will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, 129 S. Mason Street, Appleton, with Pastor Jon Kuske officiating.   Friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred's name can be made to the EAA Young Eagles.

The family would like to thank the staff of the fifth floor at ThedaCare Regional Hospital, especially Mary and Rachel, for the care and compassion they showed Fred and his family.