Fred Bellile's Memorial Service Video

Fred Robert Bellile, 65, New London, died Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022, following eight years of living with ALS.

Fred was born on July 8, 1957, to Frederick and Helen (Taubel) Bellile in New London. He attended Most Precious Blood Catholic School as a child and later New London Senior High School, where he participated in basketball, intramural sports, and student council. He graduated in 1975. In his teen and young adult years, Fred worked at local businesses including Rickbeil's, True Value, and Curwood. During this time, he proudly drove a Datsun 280Z sports car and took care of his beloved husky, Mika.

Fred was united in marriage with his wife, Mary, on September 19, 1987, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in the town of Lebanon. Their first son, Robert, was born in 1991. Scott followed in 1992.

Fred found his career as a gifted interior painter to many satisfied clients, including Sommers' Midtown, the New London Heritage Historical Village, and U.S. Oil stations. He was speedy yet meticulous with his craft and never left behind a blot.

Personality-wise, Fred was honest and not afraid to speak his mind, even if it led to a debate. People found his positivity endearing in the final stretch of his life. Fred used the limited motion in his hand to purchase candy online for family and friends or send out eCards on holidays. Although he quickly lost his ability to speak, he never lost his sense of humor and ability to laugh. For example, he would crack himself up by yelling unintelligible voice commands into the electronic assistant on his TV remote. If the birds outside his window became too chatty, he blared a screeching hawk call on YouTube to bring some peace and quiet.

Fred's pastimes varied over the years: fishing; bowling; gardening; cross-country skiing; canning pickles; jigsaw puzzles; video games; scary movies; AM radio; cheering on the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Minnesota Twins; and driving through the countryside to photograph sunsets while cranking Neil Young. He enjoyed planning family road trips with his son Rob, always working in obscure destinations along the way. He was the family chef, homemade supreme pizza being a favorite dish. Fred was a persistent family handyman who never gave up until his family's cars or bicycles were repaired, even if the solution meant enlisting one of his many connections in town to assist.

Fred was diagnosed with ALS in 2015. Within months, he went from fiercely independent to significantly dependent. He used the transition time wisely, passing along his home maintenance tricks and recipes to his family. Until the very end, Fred taught those around him how to live with a terminal illness with grace and to die with dignity. His composure was inspiring to his friends, family, and the many nurses and caregivers who helped him over the years.

Fred is survived by his wife Mary (Lowney) Bellile of New London; sons Robert (Kelsey) Bellile of Menomonee Falls and Scott Bellile of New London; sister Kay Brush of Waupaca; mother-in-law Irene Lowney of New London; brothers-in-law Pat (Jean) Lowney of Neenah and John (Lorelei) Lowney of Fond du Lac; sister-in-law Cathy Lowney of Seymour; as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Frederick and Helen (Taubel) Bellile; father-in-law Warren Lowney; sisters Donna Southard, Arylene (Richard) Wanty, and Sharon (Gordon) Werdin; and brother-in-law Robert Brush.

The Memorial Service for Fred will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in New London with Fr. John Kleinschmidt officiating.  The visitation will take place on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London and again at the church on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." —A.A. Milne