Fred Earl Black, age 83 of Eau Claire, died at his home on November 28, 2011. Fred Earl Black was born January 9, 1928 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the son of Fred Lyle and Mabel (Fuller) Black. He was raised in the town of Seymour and attended McKinnley School. He graduated from Eau Claire Senior High with the class of 1946. He joined the Army and received his basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was stationed at Camp Stoneman, California for his remaining two years of service. He was honorably discharged and returned to Eau Claire. Fred joined the Army Reserve in 1948 served for twenty-five years attaining the rank of master sergeant. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where he served as class president for three years. He married the love of his life, Marcella "Sally" Ferigan September 1, 1951 at St. Patrick's Church in Eau Claire. He received his law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School in 1961. Fred was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. He joined John Thornton in the practice of law forming the law firm which became Thornton, Black, Wachowski, and Grosskopf. He was later joined in practice by is son, Lyle J. Black. He was a member of the Eau Claire County Bar Association, retiring after 30 years of practice. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of the Order of the Arrow and earned his Wood Badge, Boy Scouts' highest level of leadership training. He was a member of the board of directors of the Chippewa Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America, serving several years as executive officer. He was awarded the Silver Beaver, Boy Scouts highest honor for service to the organization. He was also awarded the Bridge Builder Award by the Chippewa Valley Council of the BSA. He served on the parish councils of Sacred Heart and St. Olaf churches. He was an active member of St. Olaf's Church serving as lector, communion distributor and member of the finance council. He also served as president of the joint Sacred Heart and St. Olaf's school board. He was an active member of the Loyal Order of the Moose for many years and served in many leadership positions, including governor. Fred was a member of the Retired Enlisted Association (TREA), serving as president and most recently, chaplain. He enjoyed planning and attending class reunions for the great Class of 1946 and many times, served as master of ceremonies. He and Sally raised five children, Deborah, Lyle, Kevin, Curtis and Joseph. Fred and Sally celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in September of this year. Fred especially loved to camp and spend time with his family. Fred also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and throwing horse shoes. He is survived by his wife, Sally; children, Debbie (Steve) Keegan, Curt (Barb) Black, and Joe Black, all of Eau Claire; his sisters, Margaret (Arnold) Johnson of Altoona, and Carol (Ken) Belknap of New Port, Alabama. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Colleen Keegan (Glen Skolaski), Karen Keegan, Kellen and Marshall Black, Madeline, Sophia, Helen, Jonathan, Ava, Samuel and Jane Black, and Nicholas, Chrysta, and Ryan Brinkman. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Beatrice (Ray) Vlasnik; brother, Arthur (Millie) Black; and sons, Lyle and Kevin Black. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11AM on Friday, December 2, 2011, at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 3220 Monroe Street, Eau Claire, with Father Brian Konopa officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4 to 8PM at Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral Home, West Chapel, 1405 North Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire. Visitation will also be one hour prior to Mass at church. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Eau Claire with Military Honors conducted by the Eau Claire American Legion Post #53. Knowing Fred meant loving him. He was a warm and friendly man with a love for life. Losing two sons was deeply painful, yet his faith in God carried him through. He was a support to others and always maintained a good sense of humor. Fred appreciated good food, a good nap, and a good story. His legacy will live on in his children and grandchildren who are blessed to have been a vital part of Fred's life.

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