Fred Leon Oetzman

Aug 20, 1930 -

Dec 10, 2022

Fred Leon Oetzman, 92, passed away on Dec. 10, 2022, at Aspen Creek Senior Living in Anchorage, Alaska.

Fred was born on Aug. 20, 1930, on a farm in rural Sauk County, Wis. At 17, he started working on a farm and continued doing so for his senior year in high school and the first two years of college.

He graduated from Reedsburg High School and Sauk County Teachers' College. He taught one year at Green's Corner, a rural school near Baraboo, Wis. He then served in the Army for two years and was a Korean War veteran.

Returning home he taught for several years in a state grade school near Milwaukee, Wis. He also taught junior high English for a year in McCook, Neb.

In 1959, he received his Bachelor of Science in education from the University of Wisconsin, Platteville. In 1962, he received his master's degree in education from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley.

Fred moved to Alaska in 1962, and taught in Anchorage for 23 years. In 1969, he was named Anchorage Teacher of the Year. He retired from teaching in 1986.

After retiring from teaching, he worked several summers for Premier Alaska Tours as a customer service representative.

Fred's interests were many: travel, photography and calligraphy were among them.

He was very active in the Alaskan Prospectors Society. For this travel club, he led many trips, gave many programs and served in various offices and on various committees.

Fred is survived by many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Nellie Oetzman; brothers, Dean and Paul; and sister, Ruth.

At his request, no service will be held. His body will be cremated and the ashes scattered in Chugach State Park near Anchorage.