Frederic Haydu

FRED B. HAYDUDecember 3, 1931-February 2, 2013Age 81, passed away Saturday, February 2, 2013, unexpectedly, but peacefully, at home of natural causes, while having his afternoon nap. A resident of Albuquerque since 1971, he worked in residential and commercial construction, retiring in 1996 from Luther Construction, including Bailey-Ward Home Builders in the 1970's. He was born in Cleveland, OH to Steven Sr. and Irma (Vass) Haydu, both of full Hungarian descent. Fred grew up in Kirtland, OH, graduating from Kirtland High School. As a teen, he met the love of his life, Nellie Jean Fenner, at a Halloween party, and they later married on September 18, 1954. Fred was a Veteran of the Korean War, serving in the Army at Camp Polk, LA. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sandra Haydu Burton. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nellie; daughters, Shelley Myers (Ed), Tracy Gorenz (Alan), Leanne Hill (Charley); grandchildren, Stacey McNeil Vanderbur (Austin), Spencer and Mikayla Hill, Catherine "C.J." Gorenz; great-grandchild, Braxton Vanderbur; "adopted" son, Myke Yaple; brother, Steven Haydu, Jr. (Jean); brother-in-law, Nelson Fenner (Nancy); sister-in-law, Carleen Fenner; nephews, Steven Haydu III (Miriam), Mason Fenner (Bonnie), John Fenner (Tiffany), Bob Fenner (Erika); nieces, Diana Burton (Ray Belczyk), Jennifer Malinoski (Mark), Cathy Baker (Ben), Jackie and Audrey Haydu, and Loretta and Jeanell Fenner. Fred was a Lifetime Member of the Willoughby-Cleveland #18 Elks Club, and Member of the Ohio Carpenter's Union. For many years, he worked for Hammond Construction of Ohio. Fred was a hard-working provider for his family, sometimes working up to three jobs at a time. Over his lifetime, he built three of their homes, and even hand dug the basement of their first one. Fred came to the "wild, wild west" in 1971, with a loaded U-Haul, his wife and three kids, a dog, but no job, looking to start a new chapter in his life. Construction was booming in Albuquerque, and good friends that had already relocated here from Ohio, said to come. The weather is great, the winters are mild, and there are no mosquitos! Soon Fred landed a job with Bailey-Ward Construction, building homes. He enjoyed camping and cross-country trips with Nellie and their young girls, going to Florida and California, while still living in Ohio. In retirement, Fred worked odd jobs in construction, especially Weil Construction. He and Nellie celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on an Alaskan cruise. His favorite pastime was sitting in his recliner, watching TV on his big screen TV, flipping through the numerous channels on his Direct TV. He loved action, sci-fi, horror, and old movies, so he could check out the vintage cars. He also enjoyed the news, Lawrence Welk, Molly B Polka Party, wild life shows, and Christian evangelical programming. He also loved music, his sweets, shrimp cocktail, Jim Beam, and playing "monster" with the grandkids. He was a past member the Super Chevy Club, relishing his accomplishment of having completely restored a red 1957 Chevy, and having won numerous awards and trophies. Fred was proud of his wife and daughters and loved them immensely. He had a loud voice, but a big heart. While working construction, it wasn't unusual for Fred to bring home a stray-animal or human that needed to be saved, or a place to celebrate the holidays. Often he would give firewood, and even the coat off his back in order to help another. Services will be held Thursday, February 7, 2013, at Noon, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. at FRENCH - Wyoming. Interment will be at Sunset Memorial Park. A reception will follow at the Haydu Family home. Please wear yellow, as that was Fred's favorite color. Donations may be made in Fred's name to Joy Junction or the Animal Humane of NM.