Frederick Arthur Haerter Sr., age 84, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026, in The Villages, Florida. Born on April 18, 1941, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Fred was the son of Edward Haerter and Lucy (Cerniglia) Haerter. He was raised in Northwest Milwaukee and graduated from Custer High School in 1959. He lived a life defined by service, leadership, curiosity, and devotion to his family.

Fred graduated from Marquette University in 1964 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering. He continued to advance his education throughout his career, earning a Master of Science from the University of Wisconsin in 1972 and later a Master of Public Administration from Hamline University in 1992. These academic achievements supported a long and respected career in public service. Over the decades, he served as City Engineer and Director of Public Works in several Wisconsin communities, including Milwaukee, Muskego, Portage, Marshfield, River Falls, Kenosha, and Caledonia. Throughout his career, he innovated new designs in infrastructure, transportation, sanitation, and recreation, helping these communities grow and modernize. He was a longtime member and President of the American Public Works Association (APWA). Fred was also active in civic life as a member of the Jaycees and Kiwanis, organizations through which he built friendships and contributed to community improvement.

He entered the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant and Combat Engineer Platoon Leader after graduating from Marquette. He earned his paratrooper jump wings, served on active duty in Europe and Turkey, and continued his service in the U.S. Army Reserve, ultimately retiring as a Colonel and Brigade Commander. He was proud of his over 30 years of service, a commitment that shaped his character and reflected his lifelong dedication to duty and leadership.

In 1969, Fred married Carol Ann (Nitz) of Markesan, Wisconsin. Their marriage of more than five decades was filled with partnership, adventure, and unwavering support for one another. Together, they explored the world through cruises and travel groups, visiting Europe, South America, Australia, Asia, and the Caribbean. Travel became one of the great joys of their life together, reflecting Fred’s lifelong curiosity and love of learning.

Since 2013, Fred and Carol Ann had made their home between The Villages, Florida, in the winter and Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, in the summer, enjoying the best of both communities and the friendships they built in each place.

Fred enjoyed golf, classic car shows, and cheering for the Milwaukee Braves, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers. He had a special love for Weimaraner’s and was a devoted dog dad to several over the years. Many of his happiest outdoor memories came from pheasant hunting with his dogs, watching them work the fields with intelligence and enthusiasm. His appreciation for classic cars grew into a true passion—he owned some great ones over the years and was always on the lookout for the next one. He loved attending shows, learning the history behind the vehicles, and connecting with fellow enthusiasts who shared his enthusiasm.

Above all, Fred was a family man. He is survived by his wife, Carol Ann; his sons, Rick and Ben; his grandchildren, Emily, Evan, Brooke, and Hayden; and his brother, Edward. He will be remembered for his wisdom, humor, generosity, and the steady presence he brought to every part of his life.

Fred’s legacy lives on in the communities he served, the soldiers he led, the places he explored, and the family he loved.