Fred Thomas Stussy

Fred grew up on a farm in the Pine Island area and graduated from Pine Island High School in 1948. He attended Mankato State Teachers College before answering the call to serve in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1956. After a brief time with the Minnesota Highway Department, Fred began a long career at IBM, retiring after 32 years.

Fred lived a life of service- to his country, his community, and his family. He was a devoted member of The American Legion for 60 years. As Commander of Pine Island Post 184 in 1980 he helped lead the effort to build a new club, and he continued in leadership roles at the district and state level, including District Membership Director (1984-1985), District Commander (1985-1986), and State Department Membership Director (1989-1990), where he helped achieve an all-time high in membership. He served as a Boys State counselor for four years, was a past Commander of Rochester Post 92, and spent 14 years on the honor guard. He also belonged to Voiture 327 (40 & 8) and the Korean War Veterans Club.

Fred met his wife, Barbara, at the Heidelberg on Main Street in Rochester, MN, soon after Barbara began her nursing career. They shared 65 years of marriage and raised their daughter, Stephanie. At home, he loved fishing, playing the saxophone, and settling in to watch his favorite country‑western shows like Gunsmoke.

A man of traditional values, Fred was principled, dependable, and rooted in a sense of personal responsibility that guided everything he did. Yet beneath that reserved exterior lived a quiet and open-handed generosity. When family members found themselves in difficult seasons of life, Fred didn't hesitate to open his door, offering a place to stay without fanfare or expectation. To him, that was simply what family meant, and those who were on the receiving end of his steadfast support never forgot it.

Fred's commitment to community and family left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Fred passed away quietly on March 3, 2026. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, daughter, Stephanie, three granddaughters, Delaney, Molly, and Sunny, and great grandson, Durian. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

A Visitation will be held on April 1st, 2026, from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm at the Ranfranz Funeral Home in Rochester, MN. Funeral Services will be held on April 2nd, 2026, at 11:00 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pine Island, MN, with the burial at the Pine Island Cemetery. Please join Fred's family and friends for a reception to celebrate his life at the Pine Island American Legion Post, where Fred spent time as Commander.