Fred Bogardus

Fred Bogardus, Jr. entered Heaven's Gate on Friday, October 4, 2024 at Timber Pines Residence in Pine City at the age of 82.

Fred William Bogardus was born November 3, 1941 to Fred Sr. and Mary (Milam) Bogardus in El Paso, Texas, the second of four children.

He was born with a mechanic's blood coursing through his veins and flying in his soul. He restored his first car, a '57 Chevy, while dating the love of his life, Sharon N. McIlhaney. 

They were wed on June 15, 1963 in Texas and celebrated 61 years of marriage this year. They were adventurers in heart and gladly moved quite a bit in pursuit of jobs with airlines and other mechanical jobs, as well as opening his own shops. He got his A & P license at Spartan in Tulsa, OK.

While living in Salt Lake City, Fred understood his need of a Savior and gladly took the gift of salvation. Anyone who spent much time at all with him would have heard about his passionate faith and would have been invited to his church.

They lived as well in California, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and finally landed in Pine City, MN for the last 10 years or so.

Fred is survived by his wife Sharon Bogardus of Pine City; children: Bonnie (Lowell) Meznarich of Billings, Montana, Lesli (Tim) Stratton of Pine City; Bill (Donna) Bogardus of Seeley Lake, Montana, Becky Bogardus of New Orleans, Louisiana, Ben (Kendy) Bogardus of Cody, Wyoming; 20 grandchildren: Jonathan (Jordan) Bergeron, Melody (Caleb) Slevin, Billy "Fred" (Maria) William Bogardus IV, Charlie (Stephanie) Stratton, Monica (Sam) Miller, John (Courtney) Bogardus, Josh (Haley) Bergeron, Jesse (Jordan) Stratton, Alaina (Caleb) Baker, Josiah (Karissa) Meznarich, ShariLu Stratton, Danny Bogardus, Samantha Bogardus, Hyles Stratton, Jubal Stratton, Logan Bogardus, Zeke Stratton, Duke Stratton, Malachi Stratton, Leah Hope Bogardus; 8 great-grandchildren: Kylie, Clint, Patton, Chrissy, Rosie, Clara, Vergie, Alivia; sister Jeannette (Marvin) McFarlin of Amarillo, Texas; sister-in-law Pat Bogardus of El Paso, Texas; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Fred Sr. and Mary Bogardus; granddaughter Christina Bogardus; son-in-law Shane Bergeron; brother Hank Bogardus and sister Gretchen (Robert) Bills.

Pastor Tim Stratton will officiate services for Fred: 3 PM; Sunday (10/13) at Grace Baptist Church of Pine City with reviewal one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will follow the service. There will be a private interment at Pine Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to:
Grace Baptist Church
10634 Fairway Rd
Pine City, MN 55063 

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City ~ Swanson Chapel
www.FuneralAndCremationService.com