Freshwater fish around the State of NJ will swim easier this year.  The red flag alert for fish off the beach of Island Beach State Park can be lowered.  The new chest waders and boots will find use by someone else.  Frederick E. Vaneekhoven, Sr. husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, son, and friend to many died on March 19, 2023, at Capital Health Hospital in Hopewell, much too soon.

Fred grew up in Groveville, a boyhood he described as a Mayberry R.F.D. childhood. With the boys wandering in the woods, swimming in the creek (leeches and red dye included), free time being outside and hanging with friends, with only the demand to be home as soon as the streetlights went on. He attended Groveville School where in kindergarten he called his teacher "stupid," left to walk home and was immediately marched back to apologize and stay. He attended Groveville Methodist Church, where he attended MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship) and met his wife, Elizabeth (Betty) Vaneekhoven (nee: Van Hise).  Together they formed a loving partnership, birthed four sons, changed a 2-bedroom bungalow to a 5-bedroom home, and celebrated their 50 ^th wedding anniversary in August with a return fishing trip to Kenai Peninsula, Alaska.

A dedicated family man, proud to spend his working life doing construction and carpentry, he retired on a mid-day' notice in Spring, 2018. Fred was always true to his word, never took anything for granted, and was present for many in times of trouble or celebration.  Always willing to lend his skills, he helped renovate the Groveville UMC, the houses the boys, now men, established in particularly Jonathan's two homes,  and many other projects including his time at the Bordentown Yacht Club.  His quick wit and one-liners needed intelligence to capture—and delighted most everyone he met.  He leaves a wide circle of family and friends who will dearly miss his physical presence.  His legacy will continue in the lives of those he influenced and touched, particularly with his family. He set a high bar for others to emulate.

Fred leaves behind his wife, Elizabeth, sons Fred Jr. and grandson Luke;  Jeffrey Paul and grandchildren, Emily, Dylan, Aidan; Jonathan and wife, Kristin, granddaughters Claire and Addison; and Matthew and wife, Danielle, and youngest grandchild, Julien.  He is pre-deceased by his hero, father Robert E. Vaneekhoven, Sr. (Jack-of-all-Trades).  Surviving in addition to his wife are Mother Jacquelyn, sisters Rae Marie Phelan (husband Michael) and Pam Vaneekhoven, brother Robert E. Vaneekhoven, Jr. (Wife, Betty), various nieces and nephews and all those who knew him as Uncle Fred.  In addition, Brother-in-law Carl Van Hise and wife Carolyn, dear friends, Melody and Robert Graham, Barbara and Clyde Boucher will especially miss him.  Extended family ties in France are also grieving from afar.

A time of condolence will be held on Monday, March 27 from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Groveville United Methodist Church at 447 Church St., Groveville, NJ.  A Celebration of Life Service will take place on March 28, at 11 am in Groveville UMC after an hour visitation beginning at 10 am.  In lieu of flowers those who wish to remember Fred may offer a donation to the Greater NJ United Women in Faith Mission u program, of which Elizabeth is Assistant Dean. Checks can be sent to:

Mission u ℅ Carol Bloch
8 Kayharts Lane
Washington, NJ  07882

or use Givelify link:

https://www.givelify.com/donate/gnjumw-washington-nj-2j7wy5ODk5NDM1/donation/amount