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Frederick "Fred" Zander, age 86, of Kewadin, Michigan, died peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, at home with his family. Fred was born on Jan. 14, 1940 in Alpena to the late Ernest and Helen (Smigelski) Zander. He was the oldest of five children and was a 1957 graduate of Alpena High School. He joined the Army in Sept. of 1962 and was part of the signal core at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and was honorably discharged in September of 1964.
He married the love of his life, Jan, on March 26, 1966. Fred graduated from Michigan State University in 1970 with a degree in Business. In July of 1970, he joined Packaging Corporation of America as a sales representative and went on to become Vice President of Corporate Sales. He retired from PCA in December of 1999, after a long and rewarding career.
Fred loved spending time with his family, and his four grandchildren were his pride and joy. He loved teaching them to play golf, catch fish, work hard, as well as some of the finer points of Chess.
Fred was a sports enthusiast and especially enjoyed MSU basketball. He also loved golf and took over the Monday travel golf league from Dick Larson with his good friend Tom Jackson. For many years they planned weekly outings for their golf buddies frequenting numerous 18-hole courses throughout Northern Michigan. He was designated "The Weatherman" as he was the one to make the call to play or cancel if the weather was iffy.
Fred and Jan also enjoyed traveling. Together they traveled the world from New Zealand to several countries throughout Europe.
Fred is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Jan; his daughters Kristin (Pat) Ebert and Michelle (Jim Lillibridge) Howarth; four grandchildren, Ben (Emily Keefe) Ebert, Katherine Ebert, Trilby Howarth, and Fin Howarth, and siblings; Carolyn (Larry) Szatkowski, Peggi Zander, and Steve (Kristie) Zander. He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Gary Zander and one brother-in-law Larry Szatkowski.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to the caring staff of Moffitt Cancer Center (Tampa, FL), Cowell Family Cancer Center, and Munson Hospice for their care and compassion for Fred and his family.
A Funeral Mass honoring Fred will take place at 11 a.m., with visitation starting at 10 a.m., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 143 Charles, Elk Rapids, Michigan 49629. Rev. Christopher Jarvis will officiate.
Military Honors will be conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Army, Cherryland V.F.W. post 2780 and American Legion post 35.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to the Cowell Family Cancer Center, 217 S. Madison St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684 or the Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Dr., Tampa, Florida 33612-9416.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Fred's family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.