Frederick John Mehl , age 96, of Woodbine, IL passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2024. He was born in Chicago, IL on March 5, 1928 to the late John and Janet (Miller) Mehl. Fred married Barbara Jeanne Turner on October 16, 1949 in Chicago, IL. Barbara passed away August 28, 2013.

Fred was a 1946 graduate of Hirsch High School and went on to attend Wilson Junior College. He then served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the WWII era and the Army National Guard. After his service, he went on to graduate from Loyola University with a Bachelor's of Science in Business and DePaul University with a Master's in Education Counseling. Fred was a longtime Methodist and always active in the church. He was a member of Natural Area Guardians, Jo Daviess County Conservation Foundation, and Telephone Pioneers of America. Fred had worked as a lineman for AT&T and moved into HR Management. He retired early and formed his own consulting company, Continental Business Management. He had done consulting work with United Way, IBM, and Drake, Beam and Morin. After retirement, he fulfilled his dream of owning a farm and moved from the city to Woodbine, IL. He was always active in Boy Scouts. He was an Eagle Scout and in leadership he received the distinguished Silver Beaver Award. He loved music, especially big band and gospel. He also loved history and traveling, including Route 66. Fred was active in charitable work throughout his life.

He is survived by his daughters, Kathy (Matt) Mehl-McNellis and Mary Wille; his sons, David (Judy), John (Ellen), Mark, and Matthew (Megan); his six grandchildren, Christopher Mehl, Meghan (Anthony) Vai, Gregory (Autumn) Mehl, Gelsey Weinstock Mehl, Colleen McNellis, and Alexandra (Holden) Thompson; his 8 great grandchildren; his cousin, Jeff (Cheryl) Mehl; and his two nieces, Barbara (Rick) Livingston,  Sheryl (Ken) Spires, and one nephew, Burke (Paula) Mandable. He is preceded in death by his grandparents; his parents; and his wife, Barbara.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at Calvary Church of Stockton at 11:00 a.m. There will be a visitation on Friday, July 19, 2024 at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Woodbine Cemetery at a later date. A memorial fund has been established.