Fred E. Hynd

Fred E. Hynd, a man who could turn a frown upside down faster than you can say "Hey Freddy," gave his final laugh on October 28, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones.

A private family burial will be held at Rock Island National Cemetery.

Fred was born on February 19, 1940, in Moline, IL. Fred's life was overfilled with laughter, love, and generosity. He lived his life his own way which made the world a little brighter, warmer, and a lot “funnier”. As per Fred’s wishes, he will be buried during a private service at the Rock Island Arsenal Cemetery.

Fred's early years were marked by a sense of duty. Dancing to the beat of his own drum, he proudly served in the US Navy from 1957 to 1962, where he was stationed on the USS St. Paul and the USS Everett F. Larson. His honorable discharge marked the beginning of a new chapter, trading in the high seas for the Rock Island Arsenal and later, the McLaughlin Body Company. Fred retired in May of 2000, trading in his work boots for a garden spade and a car wash mitt.

During his retirement, Fred spent much of his time detailing cars. A hobby that he took great pride in. Fred especially loved feeding and watching his backyard critters, just ask his favorite bushy-tailed friend “Homestead”, who always came to grab a snack right out of his hand. When he wasn’t feeding his squirrels, Fred was often found tending to his garden, flowers, and even his neighbors’ lawns. It was no surprise that he was recognized in the paper as “Neighbor of the Year”. Fred was a fixture on his deck, always ready with a friendly wave when he heard “Hey Freddy!”. His deck was his stage and his neighborhood was his audience.

Underneath all of Fred’s laughter, was a loving husband, father, brother, and a doting grandfather. Beyond his immediate family, Fred touched the lives of his many friends and neighbors. It is safe to say that Fred was a stranger to no one.

Fred is survived by his wife Shirely; his children Julie (Matt) Shirk and Fred A. Hynd; his sisters, Jeanne, Jackie, Sally, and Sandy, as well as his sister in-law Nancy; grandchildren Cody, Brandon, Savanna, and Addisen; also his many beloved nieces and nephews. Each of them carries a piece of his humor, kindness, and love in their hearts forever.

As we remember Fred, along with his jokes, love, and laughter; let's not dwell on our great loss, but celebrate the life of a man who brought joy to every person he met. Let's celebrate with a party on November 4th from 12-4pm at Len Brown’s North Shore Inn and Marina, Moline, IL. Do Fred a favor, the next time you see a beautifully detailed car or a well-tended garden, make sure to say "Hi Freddy” with a warm smile. That's how Fred would have wanted to be remembered. With a smile, a wave, and a laugh. And…maybe a beer.

Memorials can be made to St. Judes Children's Research Hospital and the Quad City Animal Welfare Center.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and express online condolences at wendtfuneralhome.com