Frederick William Delarye, age 71, of Prior Lake, MN, formerly of Palmer, MI, passed away in the presence of his wife, Lynn on Monday, June 26, 2023, at Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville, MN.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 11 am, with a time of gathering starting at 9 am, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 4565 Pleasant St SE, Prior Lake, MN. Pastor Steve Bonosho will preside, with the Prior Lake V.F.W. Honor Guard providing military honors for Fred.
Woodrow and Bernice (Rautio) Delarye proudly announced the birth of their first child, Frederick William born May 15, 1952, in Ishpeming, MI. Raised in Palmer, MI, he eventually became the big brother to Roy and Marijane. As a boy, Fred could always be found outdoors. Either he was appreciating nature or admiring fast cars. As a young man he could be found at the racetrack but not in the stands, he was active in the pit crew. His passion for the outdoors also brought with it a love of fishing and hunting.
After graduating high school, Fred entered the United States Army National Guard with 6 years served. Completing his duty, Fred returned to Palmer, where he spent the next 30 years working at the Empire Mine as a heavy equipment mechanic. Fred was a dedicated employee and served his coworkers by being deeply involved on the safety committee.
Beyond the mines, Fred served his community faithfully as a volunteer fireman and paramedic for the Palmer Fire Dept and Paramedic Service. He loved helping people in his community! This generosity and commitment also extended to the AA Program, both in Michigan and Minnesota. Fred was extremely proud of his roles within the program, as a sponsor to many and a leader. He was a great support to others going through the program. Fred had 44 years of sobriety!
The greatest accomplishments in Fred’s married life were becoming a father and later grandfather. His first marriage to Charlene Kangas gifted him with a daughter Lindsey, son Nathan and then granddaughter Layla Perkins (Lindsey). In 2002, Fred was once again blessed running into an old acquaintance in Marquette, MI, Lynn Parkkila. After retiring from the mine, he joined her in Savage, MN where they were married on December 29, 2007. Fred welcomed her daughters, Nicole (Ryan) Robinson, Stephanie (Kent) Lackie and son Andy (Emily) Gonyou into his life and eventually grandchildren Amelia and Julian Robinson.
Settling in Prior Lake, MN, Fred continued his lifelong passion of the outdoors hunting and fishing. He soon became bored though and felt too young to have retired. So, Fred obtained a special boiler’s license and went to work full-time for the Prior Lake / Savage ISD first serving on the Maintenance crew followed by the Intra-district Mail Carrier. When an opportunity at St. Michael’s Catholic School opened up for a part time custodian; he then worked there until his failing health caused him to retire.
Fred was most happy being around his family and spending time with the grandchildren. He also relished the companionship of his dogs over the years. As his health waned, he enjoyed exploring the countryside from his truck with his copilot Typhoon.
The last several years Fred has faced many health challenges. He met these struggles with perseverance and determination. Fred will be remembered for his kind heart, caring nature, and friendly personality. If you met him once, you were a friend forever.
Greeting Fred home in Heaven are his parents, Woodrow and Bernice; brother, Roy and sister, Marijane.
