Fred Charles Empkie Jr. 87, Dwight Township, passed away peacefully on Sunday July 23, 2017 at home surrounded by his loving family. Fred was the son of Fred and Anne (Damrow) Empkie.

He was born February 13, 1930 in Bad Axe, Michigan. He graduated from Kinde High School in 1947. He was a member of the Kinde Presbyterian Church.

Fred married Ann Hercliff on November 4 ^th , 1949 in Pigeon. Ann preceded him in death on June 11 ^th , 2005. They had celebrated 55 years of marriage. Together they raised their family on the family farm that has been in the Empkie family for 4 generations, since 1867, celebrating their sesquicentennial this year. Fred worked tirelessly maintaining his family farm.  His desire has always been for the farm to remain in the family for future generations.

He enjoyed playing cards, poker, and euchre and in his younger years he hunted and fished. Fred took pride in being a Grandfather to his 6 grandchildren and he adored his 4 great grandchildren.

Fred and Ann had spent 15 years wintering in Bullhead City, Arizona, loving the warm climate and spending time with their friends.

Fred is survived by his children Paul and his wife Nancy, and his daughter Linda and her husband Ozzie Yaroch, all of Port Austin.

He will be missed by his grandchildren Jeffrey (Lindsay) Yaroch, Kimberly Yaroch (special friend Mike LaCombe), Michael (Amanda) Yaroch, Scott Empkie, Jennifer (Daniel) Patterson, and Brian (Trina) Empkie; and his great grandchildren Anna and Charles Patterson, and Scarlett and Callen Yaroch, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister Vera (Cecil) Erb, and his foster brother Walter (Violet) Julka.

Fred will be remembered as a kind and caring man who was a pure gentleman, and always had a friendly smile for those he met.

The family wishes to thank Compassus Hospice for the wonderful care they gave Fred. He appreciated their thoughtfulness and compassion.

The Funeral service will be 1 PM on Friday July 28 ^th , 2017 at the MacAlpine Gage Chapel in Kinde. Visitation will be 2-8 PM on Thursday July 27 ^th , and on Friday 11 AM until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorials given to Compassus Hospice.

Condolences can be shared at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com