December 24 1925 July 01 2019
Frederick’s Obituary Frederick Joseph Northup Sr. 93 “The Wizard of Ruby Street” passed away July 1st at the Grand Island VA Medical Center, surrounded by his family. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, July 9, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. The Rev. Martin L. Egging will celebrate the funeral mass. Interment will be in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Military honors will be rendered by the United Veterans Honor Guard and the U.S. Army Honor Team. Visitation will be from 4 – 7 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with a vigil rosary at 7. The family requests casual attire. Your thoughts and prayers may be given at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under Fred’s obituary. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. More details will appear later. Fred was born December 24, 1925 in Narragansett, Rhode Island to William Stephen and Sarah Susan (Ryan) Northup. He grew up in Narragansett; playing basketball, caddying, fishing, life guarding, and participating in any sport available. He graduated from South Kingston High School in 1944. On Feb. 14, 1944, he entered the U. S. Army Air Corp. serving until his honorable discharge on May 7, 1946. During his military service in Lincoln, NE., he met the “love of his life”, Donna June Alderman. They eloped and were married on April 1, 1945, in Biloxi, Mississippi. Returning to Lincoln, Fred attended the University of Nebraska, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and Social Studies in 1950. He taught and coached for numerous years while raising 9 children with Donna by his side. Fred’s first teaching/coaching job was in Deshler, NE. He continued his teaching and coaching career in Haigler, NE, Laird and Fleming, Colorado, and Burwell, NE. For the majority of his career, Fred taught and coached at Grand Island Central Catholic. During his long career, he taught Social Studies, Biology, History, Government, and Science while also coaching basketball, track, football, cross country, golf, swimming and tennis. During the summers, he returned to school, earning his Master’s Degree in 1965. His basketball teams made 5 state tournament appearances and won 21 conference championships. In May of 1974, Coach took time off from teaching and coaching to manage Riverside Country Club for two years. He returned to Central Catholic “his second home” and his true calling of teaching and coaching in the fall of 1976. He continued his career at GICC until 1991~ retiring as head basketball coach in 1986, retiring from teaching in 1991, but continuing to substitute teach as long as he could. Fred had a big personality, tender heart, ready smile, and always had a twinkle in his eyes. He was greatly admired for his sense of honor and integrity. He had a gift for making people feel special – He never met a stranger. Coach was always active, enjoyed watching sports (sometimes 3 at a time), playing golf, fishing, playing cards, doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles, and shopping at rummage sales where he saw many friends and former students. He was happiest being among people and especially proud of watching his family grow. His many awards and honors include: Mr. Narragansett Jr. for roller skating NE Coaches Association ~ North All-Star Assistant Coach in 1972 Mike Heck Award winner ~ 1991 Lifetime Membership KRGI Sportscaster’s Award in 1974 Best of GI Coach in 1986 GICC Honorary Hall of Fame Three Master Angler Awards – 1968, 1976, 1995 Sports Afield Master Angler – 1968 Hole in One at the Woodland Golf Club – 1974 GI Independent Extraordinary Person Fred was a member of Knights of Columbus, Platt-Duetsche, NE Coaches Assoc., and Blessed Sacrament Church. Those left behind to cherish his memory include his loving and devoted wife of 73 years, Donna of Grand Island His children: Donna Grimes – Central City Joe Northup – Lincoln Susan (Brent) Ahrens – Lincoln Anne (Frank) Riebschlager – Grand Island Charles Northup – Axtel Bill (Karen) Northup – St. Paul Tom (Pam) Northup – Grand Island Mike Northup (Heather Hudlemeyer) – Grand Island Kathy (Jim) Muhlbach – Grand Island 42 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren. Brother-in-law ~ Bob Alderman -Calif. Sisters-in-law ~ Vi Alderman – NE Paty Alderman – Calif He is welcomed into heaven by his parents, one granddaughter, two great grandsons, brother, John Northup, son-in-law, Ron Grimes, brothers-in-law- Floyd, Donald, and Teddy Alderman. He will forever be our hero! In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Grand Island Central Catholic High School, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, or Alzheimer’s Association, Read More
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Frederick Joseph Fred Northup Sr December 24 1925 July 01 2019.
Death notice for the town of: Grand Island, state: Nebraska