Ferdinand Misbrener

Ferdinand Misbrener, 82, passed away July 3, 2020 with his family by his side. Born in Breznica, Yugoslavia to Jakob and Ana (Schenberger) Misbrener. He completed his education through high school in Germany. Fred immigrated to California, USA in 1956 at the age of 18. He relocated to Akron in 1957 and was a local resident for the rest of his life. Fred started working as a diesel mechanic working at a trucking company and worked nearly 30 years at 3 different trucking companies, advancing to management at each. He then started several businesses, Ace Appliance Parts Co., then Advanced Appliance (with brother-in-law Rudy Germeister), and finally Akron Microwave. Fred became known as "Mr. Microwave" in the Akron area repairing units in restaurants and private homes. He semi-retired in 2015 but always enjoyed working on something!

Fred met Veronika soon after coming to Akron, at Akron Mannerchor Park, a gathering place for German immigrants with traditional folk music, singing and dancing. They dated and were married on May 6, 1961. Their family grew to 5 after adding 3 sons from 1962 to 1970. Through hard work and savings they built a home in Uniontown in 1974 and loved working in their many gardens and cooking together. They vacationed often as a family and later Fred and Veronika enjoyed wide travel to Europe and all over the USA and multiple times at their favorite place - Hawaii.

Fred enjoyed figuring out any mechanical or electronic challenge. He also enjoyed nature and sharing those fun experiences with his grandchildren. He was active in the Knights of Columbus, the Lions Club, but mostly at the German Family Society of Akron for many years. In the 2000's, Fred was named the head sausage maker (Wurstmeister) making and directing thousands of pounds of sausage for the many club events. He also enjoyed making wine and smoking meats and salmon at home.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by brother Thomas and sister Regina. Fred will be sadly missed by his wife of 59 years, Veronika; sister Anna (Koenig), brother Johann (Renate); sons Bob (Annette), Thom (Carrie) and David (Kelly); grandchildren Kelsey, Emily, Kristen, Andrew, Alaina and Claire.

A Memorial Mass will take place Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Nativity of the Lord Jesus Catholic Church, 2425 Myersville Rd., Akron, OH 44312 (330) 699-5086. Family and friends are invited to visit at 10 a.m. at the church Star Room.

Due to COVID-19, expect to practice social distancing, masks are strongly encouraged. We regret that there will be only 100 persons allowed at the 11 a.m. mass. There will not be any luncheon after the mass.

Those who wish may make memorial donations in Fred's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.