More detail on this person: Frederick Forrest
Mentzer, April 14, 1937 - November 15, 2014
Fred was born in Sacramento, California. At a
young age he moved with his mother and sister to
Medford, OR, where he enjoyed "hanging around"
with his Uncle Glenn, who remains to this day a
beloved friend and mentor. His mother later
married Donald O. Mentzer, who was in the Army.
In later years Fred took his stepfather's name of
Mentzer.
Fred attended George Washington High School in
San Francisco, CA where he excelled in
competitive swimming. He wore the title of the
champion Bay Area swimmer during the mid-1950s.
Being the son of a military man, Fred lived in
many places and gained a lot of insight into the
"world at large", especially when he enlisted in
the Army after a few years in college in
California.
Fred is preceded in death by his paternal father
Charlie Williams, mother and adopted father Donald
O. and Louise Mentzer (Cornwall), brother Michael
and daughter Rebecca Mentzer-Learman. Fred is
survived by his wife Karen, his daughters Tatjana
Trueman and Lavina Kiernan, as well as his sisters
Sonia Sprabeary and Terri Gargis. Also recognized
are his many beloved grandchildren,
great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Fred had an exemplary career as a helicopter pilot
and was especially close with the men in 281st
Assault Helicopter Company in one of his Viet Nam
tours. He was instrumental in helping to establish
the 281st AHCA group, which has brought this
"band of brothers" together, honing their
friendship and remembrances at an annual reunion.
Fred handled the group's newsletters throughout
the year, as well as their website. These men have
had "the backs" of their brothers for many, many
years. In addition, Fred continued to hone his
skills by taking various classes, especially those
that aided him with his advanced computer skills.
Being a true people person gave Fred the ability
to visit with anyone, as well as listen. He
maintained the countenance of a quiet man, and
was always willing to help and offer a quip or two
to the delight of many. He especially enjoyed the
men with whom he had coffee two or three times a
week, and regular treks to the Keizer Elks Lodge.
A memorial service will be held at the Keizer Elks
Lodge, December 11, 2014 at 2:00 pm. Fred will be
interred at Arlington National Cemetery, April 14,
2015, which celebrates his birthday. Arrangements
are by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.
Published in StatesmanJournal on Nov. 30, 2014
Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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