Fred J. Chenail

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died June 10, 2020

Fred J. Chenail, age 78, of Gladstone, passed away Wednesday June 10, 2020, at Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba.
Fred was born in Escanaba, Michigan on July 4, 1941 to Ruth Agnes (Niemi) and Fred B. Chenail of Rapid River, MI.

Fred grew up and graduated from Trenary High School in 1960. He started his career with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), Department of Highways and Bridges in May of 1960, prior to his high school graduation! His very positive attitude and great work ethic helped him to steadily rise to become the Assistant to the Engineer, a position he retained until his retirement from MDOT.

Fred married his wife, Ellen Lusardi (whom he had loved since his childhood) in September 1961 and they became parents to three loving children.

Fred and Ellen spent 22 years downstate in Swartz Creek, MI where they raised their family, while Fred worked on many roads and bridges in lower Michigan. During those years, Fred was a very active member of the Knights of Columbus Council at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Swartz Creek.

In 1990, he took a transfer with MDOT back to his much loved U.P. of Michigan and worked here in the U.P. until his retirement in June of 1997 after 37 years of service.

Fred loved to hunt with his father when he was younger and later with his oldest son Douglas. He also loved to travel and took his family on many wonderful trips, in their motorhome and many different camping trips, all over the U.S.

Fred loved to golf and he and his golf partners took several tournament championships throughout the years. He enjoyed ice fishing with his mom and dad and loved to play cards in his later years.

Fred was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2006 but kept a very active lifestyle to keep the disease at bay. However, in February 2019, after a short hospital stay, the disease began to take its toll. He then began a downhill slide and Parkinson’s dementia began.
Fred was a very faith filled man and could be seen being pushed down the halls of the Bishop Noa Home making the sign of the cross quite frequently during his one year and four-day residency there. He loved the people there and was known to smile most of the time and had a very friendly demeanor. He also dearly loved everyone, especially Aimee from U.P. Health and Hospice who cared for him daily during the week.

He is survived by his loving wife and only love, Ellen of Gladstone, his two sons, Douglas (Debra) of Swartz Creek, MI and Ronald of Escanaba, and his daughter, Lori (Jim) Viau, also of Escanaba. He is also survived by his mother, Ruth of the Bishop Noa Home, Escanaba, his brothers Robert (Barbara) of Gwinn and Donald (Joy) of Escanaba. Also surviving is his brother in law, Wayne (Nancy) Lusardi of Troy, Michigan. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Morley (Christina) Diment of Prairieville, LA, Joseph (Marly Watts) Chenail of Escanaba, Halle (Garrett) Marenger of Escanaba and Kadey (Eli) Mai, also of Escanaba. He is survived by his great grandchildren, Elliott Marenger, Marvin Mai, Zoe Diment and Freddy Diment.

He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews, as well as many cousins.
Fred lost his precious newborn granddaughter, Lilah Irene Marenger after 2 days of life, on December 11, 2018.
He was also preceded in death by his father, Fred B. Chenail, his father-in-law, Adlore Lusardi, his mother-in-law, Ingrid Lusardi and his brother-in-law, Marvin Lusardi.

Family will receive friends on Thursday June 18, 2020, from 3:00PM to 5:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial will follow visiting hours, at 5:30PM, at All Saints Church in Gladstone, with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. Fred will be laid to rest in the Trenary Cemetery on Friday morning, June 19, 2020, at 11:00AM. With regret, a funeral luncheon cannot be provided due to COVID 19 restrictions. If desired, contributions can be directed to All Saints Catholic Church Renovation Fund. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.

To view visitation please click or enter the following link: https://rb.gy/tixzk5
This link will direct you to Zoom where you will be able to attend live services for Fred. Please call the funeral home if you have any questions.

20 Tributes for “Fred J. Chenail”

    I worked with Fred at the Davison-Flint Office. He was always happy and fun to be around. Prayers Ellen and family. I know how much you will miss him. RIP Fred.

    Fred became a loving member of our family when our daughter, Christina married his grandson, Morley. He was a dear sweet man and will missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

    I’m sending my condolences to the entire family. I had met Fred through golf. Fred was one of the good people I’ve met golfing. RIP Fred!!!!

    Fred was like a 2nd dad to me. We spent much time together when he lived in Swartz Creek playing golf together and we had many great talks about life. He was one of the most kind men I have ever met in my life. I was blessed to have once been one of his best friends. I missed him much when life events caused us to not be able to see each other as much. I will miss his physical presence in my life going forward, but I will always have him with me in my heart and soul. Now our friendship will transition to a spiritual one. I love you Fred. Thank you for everything you did for Morley! RIP. My love and condolences to his special wife Ellen who shared one of the coolest love stories I ever witnessed between a husband and wife with Fred. Condolences to all of Fred’s family and friends.

    Dear Ellen & all of the family,
    You are remembered in thought & prayer during this sad time of loss. Mark has told me he had seen Fred @ Bishop Noa. I’m so sorry for your loss. You were blessed & have a lifetime of love and good memories. God’s peace.
    Karen Hager Ombrello

    Our sympathies to Bob, Barb and all of Fred’s family. Thinking of you and praying for your comfort at this very sad time.

    I loved seeing the twinkle in Fred’s eye and wonderful smile on his face when seeing him while visiting my dad. Fred, Ellen and the rest of the family were so nice to my dad and we really appreciate that. Ellen – the love you showed Fred was beautiful – made me smile inside and out and put a cute grin on Fred’s face too Blessings to you all.

    Ellen and family,
    We are so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May your many memories carry you thru this time. I always remember Fred’s sweet smile and twinkling eyes! It was good to see him at Joanne Haapala’s celebration (and he knew me!) May God wrap you all in his comforting arms. God Bless!

    Deepest condolences to the family on Fred’s passing. I worked with him in Bath on construction of new I-69. I remember how much he welcomed “double nickels,” 55° – warm enough to ride his motorcycle into work.
    Hope he’s having fun in Heaven visiting all his friends on a nice, custom bike.

    Ellen,

    My condolences on the passing of Fred. He was a true gentleman … I always enjoyed seeing the two of you on our annual trip to the UP with many lasting memories including the Trenary shuffle.

    May God grant you peace during this difficult time!

    My dear friend Ellen and family. Throughout our fifty years of friendship, raising our children, sharing many many wonderful memories, it is with sadness to have Fred leave us. You both were there for each other; a beautiful love story. Keeping you both in my prayers and celebrate the gift of life we shared. My love and comforting support. and God’s blessing and peace.

    Ellen and family–My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Fred was a kind and gentle man. We shared so many laughs together. Rest in peace my friend.

    To my dear friend Ellen and family. Ray and I have been friends with you & Fred before you were married. We’ve had a lot of great times together such as the trips in your motor home traveling from California to Maine. Memories that will live in our memories forever. (Freddie) was a great friend that will never be forgotten. Keeping you and yours in my thoughts and prayers.

    Connie and I were so sad to hear of Fred’s passing. Ellen, we often talk of the fun time we had when you and Fred spent a few days with us in Florida. Fred and I met in the Flint area, working for the State and continued in the Metro area. We both transferred to the UP to finish our careers. I always enjoyed working with Fred. He will be missed by all.

    Ellen and family–I was very sorry to hear about Fred and for your huge loss. Fred was my Assistant on two projects on I-69 in Bath. They were tough projects with lots of issues that Fred helped me work through to get them successfully delivered. Fred was a blast, and I truly enjoyed working with him. I’m glad he got back to the UP for a few years.

    Ellen and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Freddie was always so thoughtful and caring to everyone, even me, as a little girl who always wanted to tag along when we were children. Our heartfelt sympathy and blessings to you. He will be missed greatly.

    Ellen and kids!
    Many great times, and memories, several years as golf league partners!!! Fred was a great friend and golf buddy. My heart goes out to your family! I’ll let god have a great partner! Rip dear friend!

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