Frederick Richard Boxberger, 89, of Russell, Kansas passed away Friday, November 4, 2016 at Russell Main Street Manor.

Fred was born February 14, 1927 to Frederick and Katherine (Ebel) Boxberger at the family farm west of Russell.  He married Viola Schmitt Dufey.  She preceded him in death.  On April 7, 2000, he was married to Melva Kaufman at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wilson, Kansas.

Fred is survived by his wife Melva of Russell, Kansas; brother, Robert Boxberger of Russell, Kansas; four step daughters, Sharilyn Wilhelm (Don) of Wilson, Kansas, Carla Soukup of Dorrance, Kansas, LeAnne Hlaus (Frank) and Brenda Buehler (Wes) all of Wilson, Kansas; four grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; three nephews including Steve Boxberger (Coleen) and Perry Boxberger (Kris) all of Russell, Kansas; six nieces; and numerous great nephews and nieces including Jacob Boxberger (Marie) and Blake Boxberger.

Fred was a life member of the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 and the Russell American Legion Post #99.  Fred served in the Korean War from 1950 to 1956.  He was also a member of the Russell Elks Lodge and was involved with the German’s from Russia.  He was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church and taught Sunday school for 23 years and served on the Church Council and various committees.

Fred was a retired farmer and rancher.  After Fred and Melva married, they lived on the family farm and enjoyed traveling until they moved to Vintage Place in Russell in 2012.

Celebration of Fred’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at the St. John Lutheran Church.  Burial will follow at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Russell where the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 Honor Guard will conduct Military Rites.  Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.  A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 PM Tuesday at the Mortuary.
A Memorial has been established with St. John Lutheran Church.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.