Fred J. Namovich

Fred J. Namovich, age 90 of Kenosha, passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at home in his sleep.

Fred was born on June 21, 1933 in Laona, WI, the son of the late Leon and Francis (Ostrowski) Namovich.  He was baptized in the Catholic Church.  Fred graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School of Kenosha, Class of 1951 and was in the R.O.T.C. there.

Fred then served from 1951 to 1953 in the Korean War being stationed in Korea and Japan.  After the service, Fred worked as an Accountant for the Simmons Company.  Later he worked on the assembly line at American Motors/Chrysler for well over 30 years.

He was a member of the Local Motorcycle Club called “KIWI’s.”  He loved to tell how they sent their bikes to “CUBA” in the 1950’s and toured the whole country on their motorcycles.  He enjoyed skippering a boat on Lake Michigan for many summers.

Fred played the oboe and clarinet and was a talented artist.  He built theatre sets for “Little Theatre.”  Later in life he refinished antique furniture.  He was an avid art and antique collector and loved beautiful things.

On May 1, 1970, he entered a same sex, common-law marriage with Gordi Studebaker of Zion, IL.  Later as laws changed they were legally married in Dubuque, IA on June 11, 2010.  They were in their 54^th year together when Fred passed.

Fred and Gordi ran “Studebaker Estate Sales” in Kenosha for many years.  He was a medal-winning Tai-Chi Instructor and taught hundreds of students in his lifetime.  He was also a body builder and weightlifter.

In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by six brothers and sisters.

Fred is survived by his spouse, Gordi of Kenosha; and his sister, Alice Namovich of Westland, MI.