Fred Columbus

Manfred (Fred) Columbus, 76, of Cedar Falls, formerly of Greene, died  Friday, June 15, 2018, at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo, Iowa. He was born April 22, 1942,  in Konigsberg, Prussia, son of Margarethe and Karl Columbus. The family fled to West Germany in 1944 and emigrated to the United States in 1955. He married Astrid Flesvik in Waverly, Iowa, on May 27, 1966. Fred graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1960, Wartburg College in 1967 with a degree in education, and from the University of Iowa Masters Program in educational administration in 1972. He served as principal and superintendent in several Iowa school districts. In retirement, he enjoyed substitute teaching in the Aplington-Parkersburg School District as well as volunteering at the Gallagher Bluedorn Center for the Performing Arts, Sartori Hospital, and Hansen Elementary. Fred was a member of the Nazareth Lutheran Church where he enjoyed singing in the church choir.

Survived by: his wife Astrid of 52 years, daughters Heidi (Brian) Burnett of Cedar Falls and Lisa (Jamie) Downing of Plainfield, a son Erik (Kristi) of Cedar Rapids; nine grandchildren, Brett, Brooke, and Brayden Burnett of Cedar Falls, Chloe and Connor Columbus of Cedar Rapids, and Dylan, Derik, Dalton, and Dana Downing of Plainfield; and three siblings, Ulrich of Commerce City, CO, Lothar of Inver Grove Heights, MN, and Karin of Charlotte, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services to be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 20, 2018, at Nazareth Lutheran Church, Cedar Falls, with burial at Fairview Cemetery, Cedar Falls. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home, Cedar Falls and one hour before services.  Memorials can be designated to the American Cancer Society or to the Cedar Valley Hospice Home. Condolences may be left at www.DahlFuneralHome.com.

Fred's greatest enjoyment, however, was spending time with family, especially the grandchildren, attending their many events. His hobbies included playing the accordion, woodworking, boating, and fishing, especially below the dam in Greene.  Follow this link for a Memorial Tribute to Fred. www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iO3hXtyt8I