Fredrick Plum

April 20, 2022

Fredrick Plum

Service Details

Fredrick D. “Fred” Plum, 85 years, died April 20, 2022. He was born in Des Moines, IA November 18, 1936 to parents Ray and Mayme (Reeves) Plum. He attended Des Moines Public Schools and completed with the Class of 1955 at the Des Moines Technical High School. He joined the United States Navy August 1955 and served on the USS Calvert Ship. He was discharged June, 1959 with the rank of DC2 (E5). Returning to Des Moines as home, he had a couple temporary jobs and then was hired by the United States Postal Service and retired with 41 years of service, most as a letter carrier; rain, shine or snow.

After taking Annette Dash as his wife, their marriage blessed them with son, Keith and daughters, Ellen and Elaine completing their family. Three children kept them busy with many activities but summers brought special vacation trips.

After joining Simpson United Methodist Church in 1961, he took on more activities- singing in the choir, serving as song leader, Sunday school teacher, a member of the Bell Choir, President of the “Men’s Club” for many years and many other jobs. While the church sponsored a flea market at the Iowa State Fair Grounds for many years, he carried and helped setup 8ft tables, and cooked many pounds of meat for sandwiches which we served at the stand, etc.

Retirement gave him some new and different activities, playing golf and meeting for coffee with some special friends routinely. He was always willing to help whomever do whatever! Ragbrai- 2 yrs - riding a bicycle across the Iowa west border to east border. A trip with a “work team” to the Gulf Coast to help after a hurricane or mowing the church lawn. You could count on him when he was able. He was happy being busy and so were those he helped.

We’re sure he’s singing with the Heavenly choir now.

Survivors include: son, Keith Plum and Janet Lowe, Chicago, IL and daughters, Ellen and Elaine Plum, Blaine, MN. Those preceding him in death were his grandparents and parents, sister, Pauline and Paul Swartsfager and Annette Dash.

Memorials may be designated to Simpson United Methodist Church in memory of Fred.

Burial will be in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, IA at a later date.

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