MIO – Fred Kendall was born in
October of 1946 in Holt, Michigan to parents with strong ties to Oscoda County.
Moving to Mio in 1957 Fred
attended the Mio school system from the sixth grade through graduation as a
senior.
As the story so often goes, Mr.
Kendall had to go out of county to find work. He worked at Pontiac Motors and
later at Bay City Power Trains. Having moved back to Mio in 1998 yet before
retirement Fred had to commute to Bay City each day but said it was worth it to
be able to live once again in Mio.
Fred retired in 2004 but continues
to be active. He believes that you may retire from work but you do not need to
retire from life.
Mr. Kendall is an Army Veteran
having served during the Vietnam era and was deployed in Vietnam in 1966, 1967
and 1968. Thank You Fred for your service.
Since retirement Fred has worked
and volunteers at the Council On Aging in Mio. He stated that he enjoys
delivering the Meals on Wheels for those that are unable to leave their homes.
Fred also volunteers to deliver the monthly commodities boxes. And the little
extras he can do while delivering the meals or boxes like picking up the mail
or taking their mail to the post office. Just little acts of kindness maybe but
for someone unable to leave their home these acts are great deeds.
To round out his lifestyle Fred
likes to hike or ride his bike and he does a bit of star gazing. He also is an
avid card player; he was on his way to a game of Jokers and Pegs just as soon
as this interview was over.
