Fred Switzer

Fred Switzer, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026, at the age of 98. Born on April 29, 1928, in the close-knit community of Hamilton, North Dakota, Fred was the beloved son of Fred and Florence Switzer. His life was marked by unwavering dedication to his family, his career, and his community, and he leaves behind a legacy of kindness, leadership, and love. Fred’s life was profoundly enriched by his 73-year marriage to Joanne Stensland, whom he wed on June 2, 1953. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love and partnership, and together they raised a wonderful family of four children: Steven, Kevin, Rod, and Janet. Fred and Joanne’s home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the joyous chaos of their eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immeasurable pride and happiness to Fred’s life. After serving his country in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1947, Fred enrolled at Dakota Business College in Fargo. He came back one weekend to Hamilton for a visit and accepted an opportunity to teach at Fairport Country School for the last four months of the year. Those four months became a calling. In 1949 he took his first full-time teaching job in Fairdale, North Dakota. There he taught 7th & 8th graders and coached the girls’ basketball team. Winning the state championship in 1957. Fred earned a degree in Business Education from Mayville State University in 1955 and a Master’s in School Administration from the University of Northern Colorado in 1957. His commitment to education was mirrored in his professional journey. He moved his young family to Hawley, Minnesota to serve as high school principal in 1958. This was the beginning of a distinguished career in educational administration, which saw him move to Grove City as superintendent in 1962, then to Hutchinson as assistant superintendent in 1966, and finally to Morris, Minnesota, where he served as superintendent of schools until his retirement in 1987. Fred's professional life was complemented by his active participation in the Minnesota State High School League, where he served for many years, including a term as its president. Fred was also a proud 4-H member in his youth, and his faith was a guiding light throughout his life as a devoted and generous Christian. Fred’s passions extended beyond his professional and familial commitments. He was an avid sports enthusiast, a talented ballroom dancer, and a keen golfer. His love for athletics and the arts provided him with countless hours of enjoyment and a means to connect with friends and family. Fred’s colleagues, friends, and family will remember him for his hard work, his ability to forge friendships wherever he went, and his warm, agreeable nature. It was these qualities that endeared him to all who had the pleasure of knowing him, and it is these traits that will be most dearly missed. Fred is survived by his loving wife Joanne, his children Steven, Kevin, Rod, and Janet, his brother Lee, sister Sharon, his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sisters Ruth and Norma and his brother Dale. A memorial service to celebrate Fred’s remarkable life will be held on May 30, 2026, at noon at Riley Crossing, located at 620 Aldrich Drive, Chanhassen, MN 55317. Family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by Fred are warmly invited to attend and share in the commemoration of a life well lived. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Fred’s memory to a charity of your choice, reflecting the spirit of generosity that Fred embodied throughout his life.