Frederick Leroy Favor

VIROQUA Frederick FRED Leroy Favor, age 86, died Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at the Bland Bekkedal Center for Hospice Care in Viroqua. Frederick L. Favor, lifetime Viroqua area resident, passed away on February 14 at the Bland Bekkedal Hospice Center, at the age of 86. Fred was born November 30, 1931 at the Favor family home in rural Viroqua, where his son Mark and wife Cindy currently live; to Orvis and Agnes (Engen) Favor. He graduated from Viroqua High School in 1951. He married Marlene Olson on February 14, 1953. Fred and Marlene farmed the early years of their marriage and Fred also drove school bus for Viroqua Area Schools. On April 1, 1969, they purchased the local Heileman distributorship from Homer Homstad, on North Center Avenue: also that same day, Heileman Brewery workers voted to go out on strike quite an interesting beginning for the business. As the G & F Distributing grew, they acquired the remaining buildings on the eastside of the 300 block, as well as the eastside of the 200 block, where they eventually built their home. More growing pains lead to the purchase of the Powers Avenue warehouse, on the north end of town under the new water tower in 1977, and another warehouse west of that which is split by Favor Drive, off of County Road BB. Fred also started an aluminum recycling business at that location. Fred has been a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles since 1955; he served as Worthy President of Viroqua 2707 Aerie in 1968. The Favors enjoyed weekend camping around Wisconsin with close friends Dizz and Arlene Reed and many other friends and family. They started wintering near Flagler Beach, FL for six to eight weeks in 1996. Both sons worked for the business after school, and after graduation full time. Fred and Marlene turned the reigns of G & F to Corny and Mark in 1997 He enjoyed collecting tractors; both life size and toy versions, especially the Oliver brand. At one time his office was lined in the toy ones and he had a pretty good collection of big ones too! Fred is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marlene; children: Frederick Loren, LaCrescent, MN; Mark (Cindy) of Viroqua, and Julie (David) Farmer, Verona, WI; grandchildren Megan (Scott) Torkelson, Westby; Mallory (Brad) Dolezel, Barre Mills; Serena (Shane) Inman, Viroqua; William Christopher Farmer, McFarland, and Frederick Logan Favor, La Crosse; great grandchildren Maddox, Kinnley and Katniss Torkelson; Evertyn and Kane Dolezel and Harrison Inman; his sister Pat Thompson; sisters-in law Kristi (Alan) Karow; Prudi (Ray) Gonzalez and Shelley (Joe) Mahklouf; brother-in law Lynn Olson; and many special nieces and nephews. Fred was preceded in death by a brother, Lowell; his son Frederick Lowell; parents Orvis and Agnes; In-Laws Rodney and Madelyn Olson; a sister Karen Miedema; and brothers-in-law John Olson, Gary Miedema and Layton Thompson. Visitation on Sunday, February 18, from 4 7 p.m.; services on Monday, February 19 at 11 a.m. all held at Vosseteig-Larson, Viroqua; Pastor Kathy Ingbritsen officiating. The family prefers any memorials directed to the Eagles Cancer Fund. Online Condolences may be offered at www.VossFH.com. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.