In Memory of Fred D. Cross
Fred Cross, age 79, of Isanti passed away on May 27, 2008. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 31st at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Isanti with Father Jose as Celebrant. A visitation will be held from 4:00 - 8:00 P.M. on Friday, May 30th at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church and also 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Friday during the visitation. Interment will be in Isanti Union Cemetery.
Fred Daniel Cross was born on January 25, 1929 near Princeton, Minnesota to Isaac and Edith Cross. He attended school in Princeton and served four years in the Navy. Fred and Rose Mary Delaney were married on February 5, 1955 in Ada, Minnesota. In 1961 they moved to rural Isanti where they raised their family. Fred worked as a mechanic for many years and then worked as a dispatcher for the Isanti County Sheriff’s Department until his retirement in 1991. He enjoyed woodworking and gardening in addition to volunteering in his community and church. Fred was a member of the Knights of Columbus and of Rum River VFW Post 2735 of Isanti.
Fred passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at his home at the age of 79 years, 4 months and 2 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Vernon, Harold, Clifford, William and Budd; and by his sisters, Margie O’Brien and Ruth.
Fred is survived by his loving wife, Rose; their children, Dan (Vickie) of Prior Lake, Yvonne (Randy) Jones of Elk River, Doug (Julie) of Middleburg, Florida, Karen (Dan) McClellan of Mora, Eileen (Dave) Howe of Coon Rapids, Theresa (Dan) Gable of Cambridge, Steve of Isanti, and Roberta (Jamie) Rodriguez of Brooklyn Park; 14 grandchildren, Elizabeth, Katherine, Isaac, Rebecca, Kristopher, Andy, Brianne, Scott, Spencer, Devin, Jared, Michael, James and Nicole; great-grandson, Adan; and by many other loving relatives and friends.
Special thanks to the Knights of Columbus of Isanti and to Allina Hospice for their wonderful care and support.
I worked with Fred when he was dispatching. Fred was a special person. I’ll never forget the way he could sit in the chair at the radio and wrap one leg around the other leg, not once, but twice. Some people know a little about alot of things, but he knew alot about everything. He taught me a few things. (we won’t get into that) He would give out a call and he got you there faster than this new modern system they have now. He knew the roads, the people and where everyone lived. I don’t believe he ever looked at the map to find some place. He already knew. I won’t forget his laugh and he did have a sense of humor also. Fred I won’t forget you. Thanks for the time we did work together, you helped train this rookie.
Aunt Rose, and all of my cousins,
It is with great sadness that I was informed by Jim that the last of our Uncles had passed away. And although I can not be there with ALL of you, please know that my thoughts will be.
I have many memories of Uncle Fred particularly when all of the Crosses were youngsters. What chaos! Fred was my inspiration to join the Navy, and not too long ago in Granite Falls we had the opportunity to share some “sea stories” . We had actually been to some of the same ports of call, just 15 years later for me. His big booming laugh will always be remembered.
I would echo Deputy Nelson’s comment that he knew a lot about everything, and also collected just about everything! All of the boys and Margie are together again, and I have an image as to how that is going. The boys will have found an engine to tear down, and hopefully rebuild, and Margie will be on their case to clean up.
It is a sad day, however I have a sneaking suspicion that Uncle Fred would like us to gather together, tell a bunch of stories, and laugh a lot.
Tommy
Dear Aunt Rose, my cousins, their spouses and all the second cousins,
These children and granchildren Uncle Fred was so proud of.
I know what it is to lose a husband and my dad. My thoughts and prayers will be with you at this time and in the near future even though we are so many miles apart. As Tom stated earlier, this was our last uncle on both sides of the family.
I have a photograph from years ago at Uncle Vern and Aunt Alice’s place on the lake. They were all there, sitting around in lawn chairs, a notorious few sucking on their pipes, when some one must have just finished one of their many stories because their heads were all tilted back and laughing in that special way they all had. Especially Harold, Fred and my dad, Bill.
I’ll miss Uncle Fred. I miss all of them. Unfortunately the attendance at their reunion is growing faster than the ones we have here in July.
Love to you all,
Bev