Obituary of Fredrick Joseph Cady Jr.

Cady, Frederick Joseph, Jr. of Saginaw, Michigan passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at Hoyt Nursing and Rehab Center. He was 92 years old. Dr. Frederick Cady, Jr. was born in Saginaw on July 17, 1922 to the late Dr. Frederick J. Cady, Sr. and May (Sanders) Cady. He married Beverly (Dew) Cady on March 25, 1946; she preceded him in death March 21, 2015. Fred led an extraordinary life, growing up in Saginaw, where he had a wonderful childhood involved in many activities, including Boy Scouts and all things sports related. One of his fondest childhood memories was sitting next to the legendary American Western actor Tom Mix at a parade in Saginaw, and afterwards Fred rode Tom Mix's "Wonder Horse" named Tony. Fred graduated from Saginaw High School, and received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Michigan and an MD from Wayne State University, becoming an Ophthalmologist. While working at Detroit's Harper Hospital, he met his future wife and love of his life, Beverly, with whom he would have celebrated their sixty-ninth wedding anniversary this March 25. "Doc" was an Ophthalmologist for over 60 years, many of those in practice with his father. Fred served in the Navy during WWII, providing care for German prisoners in a war camp in Florida. He rose to become Chief of Ophthalmology at the Jacksonville US Naval Hospital for 2 years. He returned to Saginaw and had a flourishing medical practice where he was known for his kind demeanor and loud voice. Fred served twice as the Chief of Staff at St. Mary's Hospital in Saginaw. He had a deep and unyielding love for America and the great State of Michigan. Fred's civic involvement included numerous local and national organizations, often leading them. Fred led Saginaw's Kiwanis Club, University of Michigan Alumni Chapter, Knights of Columbus, Ducks Unlimited, charter member of the Saginaw Ski Club and St. Stephen's Parish Council among others. Professionally, Fred was elected President of the Saginaw Medical Society, awarded a Lifetime Fellowship to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and a member of the American Medical Association. Fred was also a coach to many youth sports teams in Saginaw, where he served as a role model for generations of young men in the Saginaw community. The University of Michigan had no greater fan - Fred loyally rooted for his Wolverine football team through the good years and bad. He was a passionate sportsman and was never happier than holding a shot gun, hunting geese and ducks with a hunting dog by his side. Other hobbies included gardening, and golf. Fred was an avid world traveler, having visited many different countries and interacting with different cultures. While he wasn't rooting on his Detroit Tigers, Lions, Red Wings and Pistons, Fred was busy cooking delicacies, including his famous sourdough pancakes and bananas foster. Frederick is survived by his sons: John (Libby) Cady of Aurora, IL, Bruce (Debbie) Cady of Lapeer, and William "Bill" Cady of Traverse City; daughters: Nancy (Michael) Stachiw of Fenton, MO and Jacqueline Campbell of Lahaina, HI; Henry "Hank" (Kim) Pletscher of Saginaw; grandchildren: Danielle Pankuch, Jason Cady, Steven Cady, Michael Cady, Geoffrey Cady, Lindsey Cady, Beverly Cady, Michael Stachiw, Jacqueline Stachiw, Ian Campbell, and Madeline Campbell; Henry Pletscher, Jr., and Charles Pletscher; and four great-grandchildren; brothers: Dr. Donald (Jan) Cady of Linwood and Dean (Lois) Cady of Milwaukee, WI; and sister: Geraldine O'Laughlin of Chicago. Frederick was preceded in death by his son, Frederick Joseph "Joe" Cady, III, and brother, Dr. David Cady. FUNERAL: A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1310 Malzahn. Rev. Fr. Andrew LaFramboise will officiate. Military Honors and Rite of Committal will follow at St. Andrew Mausoleum under the auspices of the U.S. Navy and VFW Post 1859. VISITATION: Family and friends are welcome to visit at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.