Fred Wegehaupt
January 19, 1943 - December 13, 2024
Frederick Karl Wegehaupt passed on December 13, 2024, at his home in East Falmouth, with his beloved family at his side.
Fred was born in Hackensack, New Jersey on January 19, 1943, to Frederick G. and Emma F. Wegehaupt. He was raised in Paramus, New Jersey in the home built by his grandfather who emigrated from Germany in the 1890’s.
Fred graduated from Paramus High School in 1961, excelling in many sports. He enlisted in the U.S. Army later that year, serving for three years. During his tour of duty at Fort Knox, Kentucky, he met his wife to be, Rose Taylor, and they were married on July 4, 1964.
After discharge, Fred took a position with Kresge Co. which led to opening new Kmart stores. This took them to four states in four years. With two infant daughters, they made the decision to relocate where they could provide more stability and continuity for school. They chose Cape Cod where Fred had summered in his younger years.
Fred exhibited great entrepreneurship as he and his wife opened and managed two retail stores, a real estate office, a motel in the White Mountains, a landscape business, built and established a successful pet boarding facility, and after retirement, a successful plant propagating nursery.
Fred and his family enjoyed annual vacations exploring the world. Although they toured China, Africa, Russia, all of Europe, South America and the United States, their special place was s small German town called Jöhlingen, from which his mother emigrated in 1929. They returned there many times.
Fred enjoyed 20 years of retirement at his home in Venice, Florida. Boating, fishing, antique cars and playing board games with dear friends gave him much pleasure.
Fred is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Rose Taylor Wegehaupt, his cherished daughters, Dawn Elizabeth Wegehaupt and her husband Robert Ryan, and Karla Rose Wegehaupt. He was the proud grandfather of Christian R. Ryan and Kiefer J. Ryan. He is also survived by nieces Donna G. Hummel and Lori Giannantonio and nephew Glenn Giannantonio. He was preceded in death by his sister, Linda W. Giannantonio
Memorial donations may be mailed to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
