Freddie Joseph Margrabe

Freddie Joseph Margrabe, 75, of Jackson, passed away Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Mercy Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. He was born July 13, 1949, in Gary, Indiana, to Robert Henry and Dorothy (Bell-Roll) Margrabe. Later the family moved to Oran, where Fred was a 1967 graduate of Oran High School. He and Cecilia Essner were married on September 21,1968, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in New Hamburg, Missouri. Fred was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserves in 1968. From July, 1969, to August, 1970, he served on the USS Tutuila (ARG-4) on the U.S. Naval Support Activity Detachment Vung Tau as a boatswain's mate SNBM and as a LCM coxswain. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. In May, 1974, Fred graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with Bachelor of Science degrees in Fine Arts and Industrial Arts. In July, 1979, he began employment with the US Postal Service at the Post Office in Jackson. He retired in July, 2004, as a window clerk. Fred's memberships include Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, VFW Post 10495, 43-year member of American Legion Post 158, and Disabled American Veterans, all in Jackson. Fred was an avid and knowledgeable outdoorsman, enjoying hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, vegetable and flower gardening, mowing the yard, chopping wood, motorcycling and all things nature. He especially enjoyed sitting outside under the maple tree, watching the wildlife scamper around in the yard. As a committeeman with Boy Scout Troop 311, he participated in many campouts and adventures where he earned the nickname, Rambo. Fred was elected to the Order of the Arrow. Along with his son, he completed a backpacking expedition at Philmont Scout Ranch High Adventure in New Mexico. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Cecilia Margrabe of Jackson; a sister, Barbara (Dan) Sadler; a nephew and two nieces. Survivors on Cecilia's side of the family include her sisters, Rosemary (Paul) Horrell and Jerene Moore; sisters-in-law, Corona (late Leon) Essner and Linda (late Leo) Fuller. He was preceded in death by his son, Andrew Robert Margrabe on February 25, 2023; his parents; a sister, Linda Margabe Smith; infant siblings, Bobby Gene and Theresa Louise Margrabe; and Cecilia's family: her parents, Nicholas and Mary Catherine Essner; and siblings, Margaret Ann (Carl) Snider, Herbert (Virginia) Essner, Raymond (Marian) Essner, Patsy (Wilfred) Ressel, Leon Essner, Sylvia (Jim) Reinagel, and Leo Fuller. Those attending visitation or church service are encouraged to wear Fred's favorite attire - camouflage. Visitation is from 5 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, October 24, 2024, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. The Honor Guard of Legion Post 158 will conduct an American Legion Service at 7:30 p.m. Father Randolph Tochtrop will celebrate Funeral Mass at 10 a.m., Friday, October 25, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jackson. Veterans will provide motorcycle escort for the procession from the church to Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson, where military honors will be rendered at the graveside. If considering a memorial contribution, the family suggests the Missouri Veterans Home Foundation earmarked for the Caregiver Fund, or the American Legion Riders of Post 158. Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab above this article.