Frederick Gene Zwicker

Frederick Gene Zwicker, age 91, passed away in his home on January 10, 2026. Leaving this earth in his own home was his one wish. He was born on October 12, 1934, to Dewey and Erna (Nickasch) Zwicker. Fred grew up in the family home on Roosevelt Street in Appleton, he attended Appleton West High School and graduated in 1953. He was a lifelong member of Mount Olive Ev Lutheran Church, Appleton. In 1957, he was drafted into the Army and served two years at White Sands, NM. During his service, he was awarded the Expert Marksman honor. He also learned electronics through the Army. His educational pursuits lead him to earn an Associate’s degree in Electronics.

Through the majority of his life, Fred worked as a television repairman at various companies. From Pranges to Sears and finally Fuhrmans for 20+ years, Fred honed his skills and his craft. His favorite part of his work was meeting new people while working on their tv’s. He also loved the challenge of making good repairs on televisions.

Fred was a “fixer.” He enjoyed tinkering most of all. Over the years he would tinker with things that were broken to find a way to make them right. He was curious by nature as well and was always filled with questions. Being an avid lover of nature, he made sure to tell his nieces and nephews about critters at the cottage. He respected all living things, and inspired others to value nature as well. Fred had beautiful gardens throughout his life. It was because of his gardening skill, that friends and family called him “Frog.”

Fred was a dedicated son to his parents, and his brothers meant the world to him. He gave of himself to help when asked. So important was family to Fred that he shared of himself with the next generation. The younger Zwickers learned the art of walking on stilts, swimming, archery and horseshoes from Uncle Fred-he truly shared joy with them.

Fred is survived by nieces and nephews: Holly (Tom) Kottke, Heather (Rick) Ferrari, Dewey (Debbie) Zwicker, David (Melissa) Zwicker, Sally (Anthony) Page, Susen Zwicker, Mark (Debbie) Zwicker, Heidi Nelson and many great nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings: David (Janet), Earl (Marion), a nephew and two nieces as well as other relatives and friends.

A funeral service for Fred will take place at 11:00am on Thursday January 22, 2026, at Mount Olive Evangelical Lutheran Church, 930 E Florida Ave, Appleton. Friends and family may gather at the church from 9:30am until the service begins. Fred will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Fox Valley Memory Project.