Frederick W. Burtelson

Frederick W. Burtelson, 79, of Harvard, Illinois passed away on February 26, 2023. Fred was born on June 24, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois the son of Frederick and Vimy “Lorraine” (Carnahan) Burtelson. Fred attended the University of Illinois where he received his bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Fred married his sweetheart, Grace Lee, on September 2, 1967, in Colman, South Dakota and the pair was blessed with two sons. They moved with the extended family in 1973 to farm in Harvard, Illinois. Fred worked as a mechanical engineer until retiring. It was in his retirement that he became a pastor, and he was able to touch many lives over the years until retiring again. Fred had a kind and caring demeanor and was easy to talk to. He had a natural ability to make people feel at ease and comfortable. Fred was an extremely knowledgeable man who was also humble and modest. He loved the great outdoors and enjoyed being on the water, boating, and fishing. Fred loved to travel and take vacations and was especially fond of going to Maui. More than anything, Fred loved God and his family. He enjoyed being involved in his grandchildren’s lives and had a special bond with them.

Fred is survived by his beloved wife Grace; his children Lee (Stacie) Burtelson of Cleveland, OH, and Chad (Kelly) Burtelson of Palm Harbor, FL; his grandchildren Callum, Ian, Gavin, Xander, Camari, and Parker; his aunts Betty (Ken) Roath and Donna (George) Lee; nephews John (Rachel) Stauss, Joel (Dawn) Stauss and Soren Stauss; and many great-nieces and nephews.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents Frederick and Lorraine, his sister Vimy Stauss, and brother-in-law Jack Stauss.

A visitation will be held from 4 to 8 PM on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at Saunders Funeral Home & Crematory, 1745 S. Eastwood Dr., Woodstock, IL 60098. Visitation will also be held from 10 AM until the 11 AM service on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at Grace Fellowship Church, 200 Cairns Ct., Woodstock, IL 60098. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Fred’s honor to Grace Fellowship Church. Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.saundersfhc.com. Call Saunders Funeral Home & Crematory for more info at 815-420-3030.

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