Fredric Martin Alwardt of Paris passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026, one week after his 80th birthday. He is survived by his wife of almost 57 years, Martha (Miller) Alwardt, whom he married on September 26, 1969. Fred is also survived by two daughters, Melinda (Wade) Harrison of Homewood, Alabama, and Lisa “Tedi” (Donovan) Edwards of Oswego, Illinois.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church in Paris. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral service at 11:30. Pastor Dan Smith will officiate, and family and friends are invited to the church after the graveside service to enjoy a light meal and share fond memories of Fred. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to the Grace Lutheran Church Child Development Center, the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

The fourth of seven children, Fred was born May 15, 1946, in Mode, Illinois, to Ted and Emma Alwardt. He is survived by three brothers and two sisters: Paul (Christine) Alwardt of McKinney, Texas; Dave (Diane) Alwardt of St. Louis, Missouri; Steve (Teresa) Alwardt of Stewardson, Illinois; Jeanette Benner of Greenville, Illinois; and Marvelle (Dean) Cole of Arcola, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Arlen Alwardt.

Fred attended grade school and high school in the Stewardson-Strasburg schools, graduating in 1964. Following high school, he attended Sparks Business College, earning an Associate’s Degree in Accounting.

In 1965, Fred was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War. Following his induction into the U.S. Army in December 1965, Fred served honorably during the height of the war. As an Indirect Fire Infantryman and mortar crew Sergeant with the Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment of the legendary 4th Infantry Division, he spent nearly a year deployed in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. He carried the immense responsibility of leading his squad and providing critical defensive fire to protect his fellow soldiers. For his bravery and actions under fire, he was decorated with the revered Combat Infantryman Badge, the Vietnam Service Medal, and earned an Expert Marksmanship qualification. He was honorably released from active duty in September 1967.

After his military service, Fred worked as a cost accountant at Midwest Body & Manufacturing in Paris. He later became a sales representative, working locally with various dealers but also flying all over the United States to meet distributors. In 1993, Midwest Body & Manufacturing closed, and he bought the remaining truck equipment, secured a building on North Main in Paris, and opened Midwest Truck Equipment. He was self-employed right up to his last few earthly months.

Although Fred worked hard his entire life, he also had many interests and hobbies. Raised in the Lutheran faith tradition, Fred was a member of Grace Lutheran Church for almost 60 years. He was also a member of the VFW, served on the Board of Directors for the Human Resources Center, and was President of the Edgar County Shrine Club. When he was not working, Fred could be found in his large garden, at an estate sale, or playing games.

Fred’s constant topic of conversation, however, was his grandchildren. He was proud to be “Grampy” to Wyatt Vernon Harrison, Graham Martin Harrison, Gage Eugene Edwards, Tate Philip Edwards, Sidney Anne Edwards, and Cody Fredric Edwards. He never missed an opportunity to brag to friends (and strangers, too!) about the grandkids’ sports wins or academic achievements.

Fred’s family is sincerely grateful for the kindness and care for Fred from the following: the physicians and staff at Horizon Health and Union Hospital; Amy Russian-Crist, his long-time VA nurse practitioner; Pastor Daniel Smith; Drs. Suresh and Girish Kunapareddy, Dr. Guarav Kumar Verma, and Dr. Krishna Namburi, his medical specialists; Patty Kennedy, his part-time caregiver; Sarah Bush Lincoln Peace Meal and delivery staff; Dustin Melton and staff at Pearman Pharmacy; Stewart & Carroll Funeral Home; and the Grace Lutheran Church Friendship Guild.

For more information and online condolences please visit www.stewartandcarrollfuneralhome.com