Frederick Toy

Frederick Alfred Toy was born on February 17, 1929 in Omaha, Nebraska to Alfred and Jessie (Talcott) Toy. He grew up in Valley where he attended District #23 County School and Valley High School. As a young boy, Fred enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. Fred married Virginia Morris in 1953 and they were blessed with five children: Gail, Melody, Berdine, Harry and Tim. Fred and Virginia raised their family in Leshara; Fred had worked many jobs, including at the Alfalfa Dehydrator, helped local farmers, Capital Bridge Co. and self-employed tree removal and well drilling. He continued his outdoor activities, enjoyed playing cards and gardening. Fred had a keen interest in and memory for local weather. He enjoyed all foods, a cold beer and most recently could often be seen at the Church Street Café. Fred was talkative and friendly and enjoyed being with people. He was an expert at handling dynamite, helping farmers remove tree stumps and beaver dams and New Year’s would not be complete without his celebratory dynamite blast at midnight. Fred passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2014 at the Arbor Manor Nursing Home in Fremont, Nebraska at the age of 85 years, 7 months and 4 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Jessie, wives Virginia and Aletha, daughter Gail and grandson Eli. Fred is survived by his sons Tim of Lincoln and Harry of Wahoo; daughters Berdine Shafer of Vermillion, SD and Melody Blair of Gentry, AR; 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; brother Richard of Waterloo, NE;