Mark Charles Fred (62) of Palestine, formerly of Effingham

Mark Charles Fred, 62, of Palestine, IL, died on April 11, 2020, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL.

He was born on March 18, 1958, in Kankakee, IL, the son of Charles E. Fred & Betty L. (Kempen) Fred, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents, including his paternal grandmother, Virginia Fred, who lived with him for a time and with whom he had a very special relationship; as well as his dogs, Bear and Uno.

He is survived by his daughter & son-in-law, Ashley & Ryan Mette (Tolono, IL); by his son & daughter-in-law, Charles Dean & Massiel Fred (Effingham, IL); by his beloved "grand-kiddos", Ashtin Bridges (Effingham, IL), Camdin Mette (Tolono, IL), Carter Mette (Tolono, IL), and Andrea Fred (Effingham, IL); by his siblings & their spouses, Kathryn & John Adams (Altamont, IL), Jeff & Brenda Fred (Effingham, IL), and Todd & Jane Fred (Colorado Springs, CO); by a number of nieces, nephews, and extended family members; as well as his four-legged buddy, Trooper.

Mark grew up in northern Illinois and was a 1976 graduate of Effingham High School. He worked in the food industry for nearly all of his adult life and eventually found employment at the Robinson IGA (now County Market), where he would become the trusted face and manager of the meat department. It was a job he took very seriously, to the point that he often ran late to his own family functions just to ensure that everything was running smoothly behind the counter. He enjoyed and took great pride in his work, and it showed!

As a young man, much of his free time was spent at the bowling alley or tinkering with muscle cars and motorcycles, but these made way to coin collecting, a hobby that provided him with countless hours of fulfilling enjoyment over the years. Another hobby, (some might call it an "obsession") was data-crunching. He once had 15 computers running simultaneously and would race friends to see who could process the most data. Outdoors, he enjoyed the peace and serenity of mowing and walking around his country property alongside his dogs.

More than anything, however, he loved simply spending time with his grandchildren. They were the light of his life and brought depth and richness to his twilight years. Though he was taken from them too soon, the memories he made with his grandkids will live with them for the rest of their lives, giving Mark's life continuing purpose. For those of us who are left behind, may we also take a page out of his book and learn to appreciate what we have in each precious moment. For each moment is like a letter that helps form words, crafting the sentences that go on to write the chapters of our lives.

"Just between me and you...", I believe Mark Fred left us a masterpiece.

In light of the CDC's recommendation and the State of Illinois' mandate to limit public gatherings to no more than ten people, there will be no public service. However, Mark's family would like to invite you to take part by viewing the livestream of his service at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 1st. This can be done on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by going to https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream.

During this difficult time of private services, you may show your support by joining the "Hugs from Home" program, where your message will be attached to a white balloon in the chapel to remind the family of your love and support. You can send your hug by going to https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/services/hugs-from-home.

All Hugs need to be received by Thursday at 12:00 p.m.

In light of his many years as a Lion, memorial contributions may be made to the "Palestine Lions Club". You can also commemorate his love of dogs by giving to the "Crawford County Humane Society".