Fred "Fritz" Lienke Jr. age 74 passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at home among his old tractors on Sunday, January 19, 2014. He was born on August 8, 1939 in the Town of Columbus to Augustive "Fred" and Vivian (Steel) Lienke Sr. Fred was married to Betty Bredeson on April 10, 1965 at Spring Prairie Lutheran Church, Keyeser.
He was a lifelong area dairy farmer who was known for his John Deere tractor collection and Wednesday afternoon get-togethers with neighbors in his shed or man-cave milkhouse. Fred enjoyed day trips with Betty. He was a Green Bay Packer fan where he would caravan to home games at Lambeau Field on his tractors, pulling wagons of family and friends for tailgating. He also showed his tractors in the annual 4th of July Parade in Columbus. Fred dearly loved his grandchildren and enjoyed playing cards, especially Euchre. He was a member of the Olivet Congregational U.C.C. Survivors include his wife, Betty of Columbus; two daughters, Lisa (Ricky) Gentz of Waterloo and Bonnie (Tom) Schoenherr of Columbus; five grandchildren, Cody Gentz, Candy (Justin) Watters, Carmen Gentz (Michael Schrader), Shelby and Hailey Schoenherr; three sisters, Fern Yohn, Mabel Hayes and Dorothy (Phil) Lang all of Columbus; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Leonard "Bill" Lienke; a granddaughter, Holly Jo Schoenherr; three brothers-in-law, William Dynes, Lloyd Yohn and Merlin Hayes. Funeral services were held at 12:00 P.M. on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at OLIVET CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, Columbus. Pastor Lee Zortman officiated. Private inurnment will be in Hillside Cemetery, Columbus at a later date. Visitation was from 9:30 A.M. until the hour of service at the church on Wednesday.