Fredric Carl Auclair, at age 73, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.  Fred was born February 7, 1951 in Milwaukee to parents Carl and Delores Auclair.  The family moved to Oshkosh in 1954.

Fred graduated in 1969 from Oshkosh High School where he excelled in athletics. 

Fred was a three-sport letter-winner in football, basketball and track and field but truly excelled on the football field.  Fred was a three-year starter at tackle for the Indian football team and was a proud member of the 1968 Oshkosh Indian undefeated FRVC championship team that was voted number one in the state.

 Fred’s senior year he was a first-team All-Fox River Valley Conference selection at tackle on both offense and defense and was voted FRVC “Lineman of the Year”.  Fred was also voted first team offensive tackle on the United Press International All-State football team that season, and was again honored as “Lineman of the Year”.

As a senior, Fred showed he had more than physical strength by presiding as VP of the Letterman’s Club whose members focused on raising money for their annual service project giving back to the community.

Following graduation Fred received a full athletic scholarship to play football at the University of Minnesota only to be sidelined by an arm injury two years in.  But after successful surgery Fred went on to play two years with the Manitowoc Chiefs Semi-pro team. 

In July of 1974 a Green Bay Packer scout attended a Chiefs scrimmage and was impressed enough to call and invite Fred to try out for the Packers.  Per Fred “I got the call Monday morning, by afternoon I had signed a contract and Tuesday night I was in camp”.  One of Fred’s favorite stories was how in a pre-season game against Chicago, he hit a Bears player so hard that the smack resonated throughout the stadium resulting in a fist pumping tirade from their coach.  Although his stint with the Pack ended with pre-season, his experience was a lifelong dream come true. 

In 2010 Fred’s athletic story was honored by his induction into the Oshkosh West Athletic Wall of Fame.

Post football, Fred worked for the Vinton Construction Company of Manitowoc.  He followed that with multiple sales jobs and worked as a paramedic for Gold Cross Ambulance until he landed with Bergstrom automotive in 1996 where he worked until his retirement in 2016.  Fred spoke fondly of the many long-lasting friendships he developed with his co-workers and customers through the years.  During his time with Bergstrom, Fred became a big supporter of “Make a Wish” and put tireless effort into raising money for that cause.

Over the years Fred developed and refined a love for woodworking. He made everything from bird houses to furniture, both primitive to refined, always looking for the next challenge.  He was often in the shop at 5 am before going to work. Fred filled their home, and the homes of family and friends, with his creations.

Fred also enjoyed the fruits of his labor in the garden, especially making pickles with Dawn and sauerkraut with buddies Bill Fauk and Dan Galica. He looked forward every summer to the blooming of his favorite ghost lilies.

Fred was a people person and made friends easily.  He could turn a bread and milk run to the store into a two-hour expedition, never failing to stop and take a moment with each person he knew.  He maintained strong relationships with many of his high school and football classmates, many of these friendships went as far back as grade school.  Among them are the group that make up the Friday breakfast club known as ROMEO (Really Old Men Eating Out).  This group of men gave their full support to Fred in his last months by providing helpful deeds, but most importantly they gave him love and encouragement. Fred was immensely grateful!

Fred was a kind, generous man and loyal friend.  Above all else, he was a loving family man. Fred married his wife Dawn (Marrier) June 25, 1977 and together they had two sons.   Fred’s greatest joy in life was spending time with his three precious granddaughters.

Fred is survived by his wife Dawn; sons Travis (Elise Velasco) of Long Beach California and Tyler (Kaylee) of Oshkosh; granddaughters Palmer and Baker Auclair and Rebelle Velasco.  Fred is also survived by his sisters Kim (Jack) Francar and Candy (Scott) Weber; brothers-in-law Scott (Deb) Marrier and Kurt Marrier as well as nieces and nephews Aaron, Allison, Shane, Darrell, Chauncey and Shauna; and his countless friends.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents Carl and Delores Auclair, his good friends Bill Fauk and Dave Bartels and his very special granddog Bud.  Shortly after his passing the family also mourned the loss of Fred’s beloved mother-in-law Hazel Ring. 

Fred’s family wishes to thank all those who offered help and support including: their neighbors Dave Otto and the Goltz family for their help with the yard and Dave Grable for answering our call at any hour; Gary Bucholtz for care of our apple trees; Dan Galica for being Fred’s on call ride guy; and Karen Haines and Randy Domer for being a constant source of support both before and after Fred’s passing.

Fred’s family invites all who knew and loved him to gather with them in Celebration of Fred’s Life. The celebration will take place on May 11, 2024 at the Elks Lodge#292, 175 W. Fernau Ave, Oshkosh WI.  12:00 doors open; 12:30 A Time to Remember; 1-5 Food and Friendship.











CELEBRATING THE LIFE of FRED AUCLAIR

Fred’s family invites all who knew and loved him to gather with us to honor Fred, share some of his favorite stories, our memories, to laugh, to cry and remember a wonderful person who will be greatly missed. 

The celebration will take place on May 11, 2024 at the Elks Lodge #292, 175 W. Fernau Ave, Oshkosh, WI.  

1200 doors open; 1230 A Time to Remember; 1-5 Food and Friendship.