Fredric Dugan Wacker

Sept. 26,1924--Dec. 14, 2010

CENTERTON, Arkansas -- Fredric Dugan Wacker, 86, passed away Tuesday (Dec. 14, 2010), at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Arkansas.

Fred was born Sept. 26, 1924, in Wauneta, Nebraska. He was baptized in the Evangelical Church in Culbertson, Nebraska. At the age of 16, he was one of Nebraska's first polio victims.

He became a member of the United Methodist Church in McCook, Nebraska in 1955 and First United Methodist Church in Bella Vista, Arkansas in 1987.

As a livestock buyer he was one of the original founders of the Wacker-Elliott-Wacker Company in 1943 in McCook. During 1947 and 1948, branch corporations were formed under the parent W.E.W. Company. Holdings included W.E.W. truck line, sales barns in Nebraska and Kansas, Ritemix Milling Company and the Ranchers Supply Company. At the peak of the sale barn business, the east sale barn in McCook was one of the largest auction markets in Nebraska.

Fred served on the McCook School Board during the 1960s at which time the construction of the McCook Junior High School took place.

On Oct. 9, 1949, he was united in marriage to Doris Jean Bobinmyer of Culbertson.

He was always a loving husband, father and grandfather. He put his family first in everything he did. He passed his strong work ethic, a sense of fairness and compassion for others less fortunate to his children. He had a sense of competence and integrity that was felt by everyone he met. His pride and love for his family was the energy behind his life. Anyone who knew Fred knew he was an avid Cornhusker fan.

He is survived by his wife, Doris of the home; son, John of Columbia, Missouri; three daughters, Kathy and husband, Tim Schlegel of Centerton, Roxanne and husband, Rob Lanterman of Mesa, Arizona, and Tammy and husband, Terry Bennett of Kearney, Nebraska; two brothers, Bob and wife, Bonnie of McCook and Michael and wife, Dianna of Krebs, Oklahoma; brother-in-law, Robert Bobinmyer and wife, Vera of McCook; sister-in-law, Betty Rousselle and husband, Leo of Culbertson; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He faced his final illness as he had the many adversities he had endured ­-- with grace and good humor. The family would like to thank the staff at the Circle of Life Hospice of Springdale for the kindness and compassion they extended to our family during this difficult time. Especially Catherine, Sharon, Shannon, Chaplain Chuck, Jasime and Joanna.

Memorial services are Friday, 2 p.m., at the Circle of Life Chapel, 901 Jones Road, Springdale.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Circle of Life Hospice.

Bella Vista Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements