Fredrick “Fred” George Kresge passed away peacefully at the age of 81 in Reno Nevada on December 7th, 2023. Fred was born on July 8, 1942, to Merlin and Bernice Kresge in Red Bluff California. Fred grew up in Chester and Westwood where he helped his dad run several businesses. Fred served in the United States Air Force maintaining and servicing fighter planes during the Vietnam war. Fred would go on to serve in the Air Force Reserves for many years.
Fred moved to Susanville in the early 1970s where he raised his two daughters, Barbara and Mary Ann. He drove a school bus for many years and eventually went to work for Cal Trans where he retired in 1997.
Fred loved racing and raced on the local dirt track for years. His dream was to race until he was 80 years old and he did just that. He christened his car, “The Senior Moment” and would jokingly tell folks that he was just out for a Sunday drive around the track. Fred had a kind and generous heart and could often be found on the racetrack handing out hundred-dollar bills to young racers who needed a helping hand, or to anyone who had fallen on hard times. In addition to his love of racing, he also loved singing and playing guitar. He was an accomplished Western dancer and could be found dancing in Reno at the clubs nearly every weekend throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents and by a grandson, Robby Smith. He is survived by his daughters, Barbara Kresge and Mary Ann Smith of Susanville, granddaughter MacLyn Merritt, grandson, Robert Merritt, grandson John Smith, and adopted grandson Brandon Sell. He is also survived by his long-time partner, Jerri Kresge, and her daughters, Lisa Bouyear, Theresa Phillips, and Sylvia Hinckley, and their families. He leaves behind many people who knew and loved him throughout our community. Fred will be greatly missed.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 13th from noon to 3:00 p.m. at Leavitt Lake Park. There will be a tri-tip lunch served at 12:30 and remembrances shared from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. All who knew Fred are welcome.
