Frederik (Fred) Herman Gerard Van Suchtelen Van De Haare Jr. was born on February 9, 1938, in the Watugong region of Semarang, Indonesia.  A loyal son, caring brother, loving husband, devoted father, and gracious friend to so many, Fred’s kind and generous nature marked the lives of everyone who had the luck to know this great man.  He died peacefully at home with Erna, his wife of 60 years, by his side on April 11, 2022.  In addition to Erna, he leaves behind his daughter Michele, son Bryan, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.  He was very proud of his family.

Growing up in Indonesia, Fred’s youth was not without hardship.  He lost his father when he was just six years old, Frederik Sr., who was a soldier and died as a POW during WWII.  Fred, his mother Elvira, and his three younger siblings were held prisoner in a camp.  They endured fear, hunger, and poverty – but they held together as a family.  Fred related an image from his memory in which he and his siblings were clinging tightly to their mother’s skirt for safety.  In his own life, Fred was a courageous and fierce protector of those he loved.

At just sixteen years old and by himself, Fred moved to Holland.  He lived with a foster family before serving in the Dutch Navy.  Following his enlistment, he was convinced by an American GI that the US was the place to be.  In 1960, He moved to the United States, with the intention of bringing the love of his life and her family once settled.  He proposed via telephone (by proxy) to Erna, and they eloped in 1962 – once she arrived in America.  They settled in LA County and raised their two children in Whittier, CA. 

Fred retired from GTE after 38 years, serving as a Director of Operations, managing over 140 people.  He made many friends along the way and was able to keep many of those friends until his passing. 

Once retired, Fred wasted no time diving into his true passion – his art.  He joined the Whittier Art Gallery where he not only created beautiful ceramics, but also served on the board. He was also an avid photographer and was never shy to share his works with family and friends – Facebook will never be the same without him. 

Fred’s final years were spent with his family, friends, and community.  He was a true people person and was able to make everyone who knew him feel important – everyone mattered to Fred.  He leaves behind countless friends and loved ones who will never forget his legacy of kindness.  Rest in peace, FFIL (Favorite Father-in-Law). 

Fred’s memorial will be held at St. Mary’s on April 27^th at 9:30am.