Frederick Jr. "Fast Fred" Nienkark

Jan 17, 1938 -

Apr 16, 2024

Frederick Jr. Nienkark, "Fast Fred," 86, passed away unexpectedly on April 16, 2024, at St Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz., surrounded by loving family and friends. He was born in Andrew, Iowa, to Frederick and Leila Nienkark. He graduated from Andrew H.S. in 1956 and immediately enlisted in the Navy, serving on the USS Shangri-La. In 1957, while living in Bremerton, Wash., he met and married Helen. They had four children. He worked at Boeing in Everett, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and many years for Joe Mentor Construction in Silverdale, Wash. Fast Fred made his way to Alaska after the 1964 earthquake and never left. He was self-employed, "Fast Fred Construction," and stayed working up until he passed. He was a proud veteran and member of the American Legion, VFW, AMVETS and the Moose Lodge. He played hard, but worked even harder. Most recently he began splitting time between Anchorage and Apache Junction, loving the heat in Arizona and not missing the Alaska winters. He lived his life to the fullest in his own way and by his own code. He was loved by all. He loved reading his favorite western books by Louis L'Amour and tanning in the hot Arizona sun, he was an excellent cook and loved to get on his bike and ride to the Dairy Queen in Apache Junction. When in Anchorage, he would get the largest size milkshake from Lucky Wishbone. He loved his ice cream! Country music was always playing. He made his own fashion statement by cutting off the sleeves of his shirts. He was quite the fisherman. He enjoyed hanging out with his buddies, "making the rounds" and watching sports.

Frederick is survived by his daughters, Becky (Brent), Pam (Sam), Diana; grandchildren, Brittany, Royce and Chelsea (John); great-grandson, Braden; brothers, Robert, Richard (Barb) of Arizona; loving sister Shirley of New York; nephew, Royal (Terri) of Washington; Suzi's son, Jaymen (Lindsay) and their family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Frank, Jerry; sister, Lois Ann; son, Rick; and longtime partner in life, Suzi Vancil. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, at 5 p.m., at the Moose Lodge, 4211 Arctic Boulevard. Please bring a dish. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made to the American Stroke Association, Breast Cancer Foundation or American Legion Post 1. We wish to give special thanks to friends and family for all their love and support.