Fred was in his twenties during the depression. In 1934, Out of work, his father helped him by financing the purchase of a tractor-trailer. He drove eighteen wheelers from Chicago to Boston. He married Marie in 1937.

In the early 1950's Fred interrupted his career as a lithographer for Fleming and Potter to open a Shell gasoline station on the corner of First St. and MacArthur HiWay. Several years later, he added another station on Sterling St in Peoria.

After retiring, in his 60's, he sold the family house on E. Nebraska Ave. in Peoria and bought a trailer in Washington, Illinois.

Dad succumbed to cancer in his 79th year.