Fred Clarence Lere Jr.

Fred Lere Jr., of Pine City, passed away on Tuesday, April 8th at the age of 80.Fred was quite a guy. He was born and raised in the West end of Duluth and attended Lincoln and Denfield High School.In 1950 Fred joined the Air National Guard. He served until 1952. He also graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 1957 with a degree in accounting.Fred and Alyce were married in 1952. They moved several times and settled in Pine City in 1991. Fred was a member of Pokegama Township Board. He also ran for State Auditor and the Minnesota House of Representatives. Fred founded Acorn Copy Machine, Taco Del Norte and the Veggie Pie stand at the Minnesota State Fair. “He left us as he lived with us in peace.”Fred is survived by his wife of 61 years Alyce, sons: Steven (Karen) Lere, and Marty Lere; grandchildren: Tara Lere, Julie Lere, Jared Lere and Courtney Lere; great grandchildren: Samantha, Caleb, Bradley, Brigette and Brynn.He is preceded in death by his parents Fred C. Sr. & Sophie (Dahlen) Lere, son Jeffrey Lere and two sisters.A memorial visitation will be held on Monday, April 21, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. followed by a family and friend memorial gathering and sharing at 2:00 p.m. all at the Swanson Funeral Chapel of Pine City. Arrangements for Mr. Fred Lere Jr. are with the Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel. www.funeralandcremationservice.com