Frederick A. Camacho

Frederick (Fred) Camacho, 78, of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, passed away on November 19, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on January 17, 1947, in Baraboo, Wisconsin, Fred lived a life marked by service, dedication, faithfulness to God, and unwavering love for his family and community.

A proud veteran, Fred served his country during the Vietnam War and was present during the end of the Tet Offensive. His bravery and sacrifice were recognized with the awarding of the Bronze Star with valor. Following his overseas service, Fred continued his military career as a full-time National Guard soldier until his retirement with the rank of Major.

Fred earned his degree in Safety and went on to establish his own business, teaching classes on safety regulations in nearly all 50 states. Also active in the Wisconsin Emergency Management Response Teams, his work reflected not only his expertise but also his commitment to helping others stay safe and informed.

A man of deep faith, Fred was a devoted member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was actively involved in all aspects of church life: singing in the choir and serving as an usher and council member for many years. He remained steadfast in his beliefs throughout his life and passed this faith on to his family.

With a passion for the outdoors, Fred treasured time spent hunting in the woods with his brothers, son, and grandchildren. These outings were often followed by lively games of Rummy 500 with his siblings - games that Fred somehow always seemed to win.

His love for sports extended beyond watching football and baseball; he had a long coaching career that began in 1978 and continued until 2024. Over the years, he coached football, baseball, softball, track, and basketball with enthusiasm and heart, passing his love of athletics onto his children and grandchildren. An athlete himself, Fred played football, track, and volleyball in high school and played softball from his 30s into his mid-60s until his knees finally told him it was time to hang up his cleats.

Fred (Wa-non-kote) was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and a descendant of Skunk Hill, now known as Powers Bluff. He spent his formative years in a traditional Ho-Chunk/Potawatomi home and shared his deep knowledge of tribal culture with many local schools. Wa-non-kote (Fred) exemplified the spirit of a true warrior and leader in every sense.

Though he wasn’t one to say “I love you” often with words, Fred’s actions spoke volumes. He gave everything he had to support those he cared about, always showing up when it mattered most. His strength, humility, and quiet devotion left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Fred will be remembered as a man who lived with purpose - serving his country with honor, guiding young athletes with passion, supporting his church with faithfulness, and loving his family with every fiber of his being.

For Fred, family was everything. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Joyce; their children, Amber (Tyrone) Porter, Amy Kaehn, and Cody (Karissa) Camacho, and Terrence Johnson whom he considered a beloved bonus son; grandchildren, Mareenah, Mycah, Dontae, Macie, Bree, and Tarek; and great-grandchildren, Leeam, Daymien, Nataliyah, and Meilah.

He also leaves behind his siblings, Peter (Penny) Camacho, Robert Camacho, and Yvette (Paul) Lokotz; brother-in-law, Jack Harries; along with many nieces; nephews; cousins; and extended family members who cherished him deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Florence; brother, Paul; grandparents, Eugene Wabshoggin, and Anna May Boyce Wabshoggin.

The funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids, with the Rev. Peter Plagenz officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Full Military Honors will follow at the church, with a funeral luncheon afterwards.

To honor Fred’s life, and in lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider a donation to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

A private committal service will be held with the family at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King, Wisconsin, at a later date.

Thank you to the Aspirus Cancer Center, Aspirus Hospice, the Ho-Chunk Nation, Maranna Goehring, and Patsy Snowball for the care of Fred.

The Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Camacho family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frederick A. Camacho, please visit our floral store.