Fred Michael Mihelich

Fred Michael Mihelich died June 21, 2020 in his Port Orchard home. He was 73.

Fred was born in 1946 in Seattle, Washington to Fred Mihelich and Glenna Egbert Mihelich Gould. He graduated from Chief Sealth High School in 1964. He was drafted into the Army in 1967 and served in Vietnam with C Company 2nd Battalion 27th Infantry Wolfhounds, earning a bronze star and a purple heart and rising to the rank of Sergeant.

In 1970 Fred joined Sears, Roebuck and Company, moving up the ranks to become Store Manager of the Tacoma catalog outlet store. In 1971 he married Shirley Kay Craighead and started a family, eventually moving to Port Orchard where he enjoyed maintaining and improving their home, keeping up a large landscaped yard, and caring for the family’s assortment of pets, including dogs, cats, chickens, and a horse.

Fred (known as “Mike” to his immediate family) was a quiet, thoughtful man, practical and a good listener. He enjoyed spending time with his family and was a staunch supporter of his sons and grandchildren. He appreciated a good car. People who met him often said, sometimes with unexpected enthusiasm, “He’s a really nice guy.” He was, and we will miss him deeply.

Fred is preceded in death by his father, Fred Mihelich, and mother, Glenna Egbert Mihelich Gould. He is survived by wife Shirley Craighead Mihelich, sons Michael Mihelich and Aaron Mihelich [Shelley Mullins Mihelich], sister Carol Buchmiller, and grandchildren Matthew Mihelich, Morgan Mihelich, and Logan Mihelich.

Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and the Wolfhound Veteran Association, www.wolfhounds2nd27th.org .