Obituary of Fred Wilhelm Joppich

Fred W. Joppich, age 95, of Tega Cay, South Carolina, formerly Sterling, Virginia, passed away peacefully on May 17^th 2023 surrounded by his children. He was born in Leipzig, Germany on May 8^th, 1928 to Wilhelm Oswald and Lina Joppich. He is predeceased by Nettie Joppich, his loving wife of 54 years. He is survived by his children: Patricia Mook and husband Randy Mook of Tega Cay, SC; William “Bill” Joppich (wife Caty deceased) of Roanoke, VA; Nanette Stevens and husband Robert Stevens of South Burlington, VT; and James Joppich and wife Margaret (Margie)Joppich of Leesburg, VA; and 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Fred immigrated from Germany to the United States in 1951, and upon arrival, the first person he met was a young lady named Nettie Dato. They quickly fell in love and were married a year later in New York City. After becoming a United States citizen, Fred enlisted in the US Army and served as an interpreter for a high-ranking officer in Munich, Germany.  

Following his time in the Army, Fred and Nettie owned many successful businesses together, including a Carvel ice cream shop, a nursing home, and a travel agency, among others. Fred later apprenticed with his father-in-law, Pat Dato, in a metal spinning business and he continued the operation after Pat’s passing, contributing to pieces that can still be seen today installed in hotels and buildings in New York City. 

While living in NY, Fred and his family spent many vacations in Vermont. They fell in love with the mountains and beauty of the state, which reminded Fred of his home in Germany. For this reason, the family decided to move to Bennington, VT to raise their children and continue his metal spinning business. Bennington quickly became home. Here, Fred and Nettie were very involved in the community of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Fred enjoyed playing golf at Mt Anthony Country Club and joined the Bennington Lions Club. His involvement in The Lions Club was a true passion and he served as president for many years.

After 12 years living in Vermont, Fred was ready to leave the cold and snow behind. In 1984, Fred and Nettie relocated to Sterling, VA. He started a printing business with his son Bill, which evolved into a successful family business. He also continued his passion for golf and joined Loudoun Golf & Country Club, where he played often. He even shot his age when he was 81 years old, a great source of pride for him. Fred continued his service with the Sterling Lions Club, where he served as president, was elected to a District Governor position, and was awarded the prestigious Melvin Jones Service Award.

Fred’s true love, his wife Nettie, passed away in 2007 from cancer. Family life continued on in Sterling, VA where Fred’s children and grandchildren gathered to celebrate many birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. His true passion in life was his family and being together with them as often as possible. There were many vacations, rounds of golf, and meals enjoyed together.

The last years of Fred’s life were spent in South Carolina, as he loved the warmer weather. In 2018, he relocated to Tega Cay, SC with his daughter Patricia and her husband Randy. He loved the sun, the swimming pool, and not shoveling snow. On May 8^th of this year, the entire family made the trip to be with him and celebrate his 95^th birthday. 

Fred was a devoted husband, a nurturing father and grandfather, and a loving friend to many people. We were lucky to have him with us for so long. His family and friends will miss him immensely, but we will honor the memories we share. 

In Fred’s last few weeks, he was in the care of Hospice & Community Care in South Carolina.   We are very grateful for their care, and they were truly a blessing to Fred and the family.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name and sent to:

Lions Club of Sterling Charities, Inc.

P.O. Box 45

Sterling, VA 20167-0045

Online Credit Card donations may be made viaPayPal at:   https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=FCREQHFZD8MHE

or

Hospice & Community Care

P.O. Box 993

Rock Hill, SC 29731

803-329-1500 for more information

Online Donations:

https://hospicecommunitycare.org/give-back/gifts-in-honor/