July 18, 2025 – West Bend, Wi – Fred Bales of West Bend, WI passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa, WI. He was born on October 21, 1943, to the late Wilfred (Bill) and Margaret (nee Cook) Bales in Cudahy, WI.
Fred attended Holy Angels grade school and graduated from West Bend High School, class of 1961. He graduated from UW Whitewater in 1965. Fred began his career auditing Saving & Loans, working at Layton Park Building and Loan.
He retired from Mortgage Guarantee Insurance Company (MGIC) in May of 2005, after 30 years of service, where he made lifelong friends with whom he remained in touch with until his passing. In his early retirement Fred stayed active volunteering for the Red Cross and Interfaith Caregivers for Washington County as a driver for 12 years.
On October 19,1968, Fred was united in marriage to Cheryl Boose, after a chance meeting on Big Cedar Lake — he on a pontoon boat, she on a motorboat. Their story was the beginning of a beautiful life together. Fred was a proud “girl dad,” cherishing his daughters, Lisa and Christa, with unwavering love and support.
His only grandchild, Renie, was the light of his life and the apple of his eye. Fred was endlessly proud of his girls and would do anything for them.
Known for his honesty, kindness, compassion, and generosity, Fred lived his life with quiet strength and loving action — his deeds always spoke louder than words. He found joy in golfing, fishing in Wabeno, skiing, and traveling with family and friends, and for many years, he shared his passion for the slopes as a ski instructor at Sunburst.
Fred often talked about his golf league buddies from MGIC, Richard, Tony and Rick, who he continued to golf with until recently. He also enjoyed his time on the links with the Wednesday group who referred to him as “Fairway Fred” and his lifelong friends Jim and Wayne.
Those Fred leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife Cheryl of 56 years, His daughters Lisa (Mike Schmidt), Christa (Nick Jensen) and his granddaughter, Renie.
He is further survived by his brother, the Reverend Robert Bales, sister Kathy Gottsacker, and nephews Keven (Jodie), James R. (Shelly), Neal (Patti), Joel (Tom), Bill (Joanie) and great nieces and nephews. Cousins Tom Cook, David Cook, Carol (Cook) Larson, Mary Moll, Jackie and Jerry Henderleiter, and Al and Claudette Moll.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Margaret Bales, sister Nancy Bales, brother-in-law Jim Gottsacker, mother-in-law Fran Boose and father-in-law Ray Boose (Betty).
Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 23 at Holy Angels Catholic Church from 10 a.m. until 11:45 a.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial at Noon. His brother Reverend Robert Bales will concelebrate Mass with Rev. Russ Arnett. Interment services will take place on Thursday, July 24 at 10 a.m., at Holy Angels Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Holy Angels School Trust Fund or Interfaith Care Givers of Washington County are appreciated.
The Bales family would like to give special thanks to Rev. Tim Kitzke, Rev. Jacob Strand, Father Russ Arnett, and Deacon Mark Jansen, his Doctors and Nurses at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, especially, Paige, in TICU, the nurses on 5SE, Sarah, Donny, Sarah, Logan, Marwin and Bria, Dr. Book, Dr. Helms, Dr. Tessa Miller, Dr. Jonathan Kiermayer, Dr. Viswanathan, Medical Student Stephen, Speech Therapist Lisa and all the others that helped care for Fred.
Fred’s family is so thankful for all the love, prayers and support during this very difficult time.
