Frederick Bernard Ebert, 86, of Ferdinand, passed away Monday, July 7, 2026.
Fred was born on January 24, 1940, in rural Ferdinand to Leo and Viola (Schlachter) Ebert. He graduated from St. Ferdinand High School in 1958 and married Nellie Schue on August 27, 1960, at Mary Help of Christians Church, Mariah Hill.
Fred was a mechanic all of his life, taking apart equipment at a young age to see how it worked and repairing what was necessary on the farm. He could fix almost anything that moved. Fred joined the Army National Guard and Army Reserve, serving from 1958-1965 and training at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri and Ft. Ord in California before returning to Ferdinand to work for several auto shops (Ruxer’s, Jacob’s Garage, Hank’s Shell and Hasenour Motor Company). Fred farmed with his father and brother Jim, raising crops and cattle as well as popcorn for Weaver Popcorn. Fred was also a rural letter carrier in the Ferdinand Post Office for over 20 years, which gave him the opportunity to meet and talk with people. Fred believed that nothing was impossible if you gave it your best (his kids were reminded “determination drives the world,” more often than they can count).
Fred devoted a significant amount of time to the Ferdinand American Legion and Sons of the American Legion by helping with fundraising barbecues and shooting matches, and maintaining the rifles used by him and fellow members of the Legion’s Color Guard. He also enjoyed bowling, wine-making, euchre, and old-time country music. Fred was a member of Christ the King Parish and St. Joe’s Sodality.
A funeral service for Fred will be held at 10 a.m. EDT on Saturday, July 11, at St. Ferdinand Catholic Church, followed by burial in the church cemetery. Friends may call Friday from 4-8 p.m. EDT and Saturday from 7-9:30 a.m. EDT at Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand.
Fred is survived by son Philip (Jennifer Gaesser) Ebert of Greenfield, and daughter Andrea (David) Hatfield of Pittsboro; grandchildren Drew and Lauren Hatfield, Caroline and Sebastian Ebert, and Madelyn Mohr; and step-grandchildren Kaden and Keira Gengelbach and Grace Mohr. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nellie; daughter, Lea (Mike) Gengelbach; parents, Leo and Viola; and brother, Jim (Kathleen) Ebert.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to all caregivers, friends, and family for their kind and compassionate care for Fred.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Ferdinand American Legion Post 124, Christ the King Parish or Sisters of Saint Benedict.
