Fred C. Wilson, 88, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Dec. 5, 2014, at the Hospice House of North Idaho.

Fred was born to Roy and Anna (Beatty) Wilson on Oct. 23, 1926. He enjoyed working on the family farm until joining the Marines in 1944. He served two years as a corporal, earning weapons qualification as a sharpshooter in 1944. His service for his country was to the Pacific Area, action at Okinawa, Ryukya Islands and the occupation of China from 1944-46.

Fred went on to join the Navy serving as a fireman from 1947-51. While he was serving his country, his family moved to Spokane, Wash.

Upon returning home Fred met his wife, Helen (Junes) Wilson. That was a start to a family of five children - three boys and two girls, and 59 wonderful years of marriage. During those years of marriage the family lived in Spokane Valley, Wash., Portland, Ore., Anchorage, Alaska, and Clayton, Wash. The last place of residence for Fred and Helen was Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Fred was employed as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for 25 years. When not working Fred enjoyed working on his cars, tractors, hunting, fishing, traveling with his wife and children to different hot springs, and reading his Bible. He was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. For those who were his caretakers during the last couple of years, the one thing they all commented on was his smile.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Anna (Beatty) Wilson; brother Jerry Wilson and sister Louise; and his children, son Mike Wilson and daughter Selma Wilson. He is survived by his wife, Helen (Junes) Wilson of Idaho; his children: son Bill Wilson (Kelli) of Washington, son David Wilson of Florida, and daughter Valda Pfundheller (Brad) of Idaho; sisters Doris Graham of Washington and Alma Craig of Idaho; and brother-in-law Cliff Junes (Eleanor) of Minnesota. He didn't have many nieces, nephews and grandchildren, but was richly blessed by the ones he did have to enjoy.

A memorial service for Fred will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 19, at Yates Funeral Home, 744 N. Fourth St., in Coeur d'Alene. Following the memorial, the family will travel to Deer Park, Wash., for a 2 p.m. graveside service which will be held at Woodland Cemetery with the U.S. Marines honor guard presenting the flag and Pastor Tim White officiating.

Yates Funeral Homes of Coeur d'Alene has been entrusted with the care of local arrangements and Lauer Funeral Home of Deer Park has been entrusted with the care of graveside services. Please visit Fred's memorial and sign his online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.