Frederick (Fred) C. Danz
Fred Danz, a Moses Lake resident and businessman passed away after an extended illness, on Saturday, February 19, at Columbia Crest Care and Rehabilitation Center, with his wife and children near his bedside.
April 29, 1941 ~ February 19, 2011
Fred Danz, a Moses Lake resident and businessman passed away after an extended illness, on Saturday, February 19, at Columbia Crest Care and Rehabilitation Center, with his wife and children near his bedside.
Fred was born to Joan and Fred Danz in Corpus Christi, Texas. Fred's dad was career navy, the family was relocated many times. Fred joined the navy in 1959 and retired after spending some time at the naval base at Adak, Alaska. Fred's McDonald's career began as a supervisor for his fathers McDonald's franchise while living in Connecticut.
Fred and Dee met in 1978. In 1980 they were married and began their life together while managing the Moses Lake McDonald's. They worked hard, and played hard, always side by side. Fred loved to hunt and he and Dee spent hours fishing.
Always willing to help, Fred was active in many clubs and organizations, including the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Lions Club, and the Auxiliary for the Coast Guard and was an organizing member of the Moses Lake Spring Festival. Many young people received scholarships because of Fred and Dee's generous contributions.
Fred's earlier military involvement helped create a smooth transition when in 1985 he and Dee returned to Adak as owners of the only civilian restaurant on the secured military site. McDonalds flourished and after five years they opened the Pizza Shoppe which also flourished. In 1992 they returned to Moses Lake where they had the opportunity to acquire the original Moses Lake McDonald's and they also constructed the new McDonald's on Kittelson Road.
The Danz's retired in 2005. Fred's dream was to live and fish in the Florida Keys. Because of illness, his dream was cut short and they returned to Moses Lake in 2008 to be near family and friends.
His dad, Frederick Charles Danz preceded Fred in death. He is survived by his wife Dee and three daughters and two sons; Sherri Valdez (Rick), Sharon Palmerton (Brett), Rick Danz (Terri), Matt Danz (Karen), and Kelli Powell (Brad) and nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. His mother, Joan Chirito and four brothers and one sisters; John Danz, Paul Danz, Geoff Danz, Bill Danz and Ann Butler (Bob). Fred loved his family and his friends. Fred and Dee would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Earl and his staff for always being there for Fred and also a thank you to all the staff at Columbia Crest for their loving care and support for the entire family, particularly Robyn, Melissa, Brandi, Bonnie and Tina, who provided that "over and above" care.
Arrangements are under the care of Carver Family Funeral Home. At Fred's request there will be no services. A celebration of Fred's life will be held in late April. The family requests in lieu of flowers that contributions be made to the Ronald McDonald House at 1015 W. 5th Avenue, Spokane, WA 99204