Fred Andrew Hittle
Frederick Andrew Hittle, 80, of Keizer, Oregon, passed away on January 30, 2022 of Covid-19 pneumonia. Fred spent several years battling dementia and lived at the The Arbor at Avamere Court for the last three and a half years of his life. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, opportunities for in-person visits the past two years were extremely limited.
Fred was born in Onawa, Iowa on November 29, 1941 to Alfred Hittle and Ida Hittle (Odom). He had many fond memories growing up on the farm in Onawa with his brothers Dean, Donald and Gary, and sister, Linda. In 1955, the family moved to Silverton, Oregon. Fred attended school there and eventually moved to the Salem/Keizer area. It was there that he met Joanna Smith whom he married on June 4, 1966. They had three children, Lori, Andrew and Dana.
Fred spent many years in the woodworking industry building custom entry doors and window sashes. He retired in 1999.
Fred was a talented wood crafter. He built many lighthouses, picture frames, and other treasures for family and friends. He collected many tools, pieces of wood, and Shop Vacs. Fred enjoyed being outdoors, going on road trips, and spending time at the Willamette River watching the Wheatland Ferry cross. Astoria was a favorite place to watch the container ships come in. He was funny and witty, famous for his one-liners known as “Fredisms.” Fred was curmudgeonly, irreverent and kind. He would help anyone in need. He loved his family, friends and cocker spaniel, Dexter, and in turn was loved by all who knew him.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Dean (Julia) and Donald (Dorothy). He is survived by his wife, Joanna; children- Lori, Andrew, and Dana (Matt); grandchildren- Jeannine (Peter), Jazalyne (Jacob), Andrew Jr., Josephine, Liam, and Milo; great-grandchildren- Jakob, Abigail, Layla, Lucy, and Sebastian. He is also survived by his siblings Gary Hittle and Linda (Dave) Roberts, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude, thanks, and appreciation to the staff at The Arbor who provided excellent care and incredible kindness to Fred in his last years and to both him and his family during his Covid illness. They became like family and made a difficult situation bearable. A private graveside service will be held for family. A celebration of life will be held June 18, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Willamette Mission State Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that people please wear face masks and get vaccinated/boosted against Covid-19.