Frederick Carl Hnilica

HNILICA, Frederick Carl - Age 78, of Fenton, passed away peacefully at home on July 16, 2023. Funeral Service 1:00 PM Friday, July 21, 2023 at Sharp Funeral Homes Fenton Chapel 1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton. Visitation 2:00PM - 8:00 PM Thursday, July 20, 2023. Interment St. John Catholic Cemetery, Fenton.

Fred was born October 31, 1944 in Flint, the son of Anthony and Emma (Hasman) Hnilica. He married Jane Ann Johnson in Escanaba on August 16, 1968. Fred graduated from Linden High School in 1964 where he was a star athlete in both football and track. Fred spent his career as an Assistant Supervisor at Kogel Meats in Flint for over 30 years before retiring in 1997. After retirement he made a hobby of mastering his own meat business and was famous for his homemade brats, pepper sticks, and smoked sausage. Fred enjoyed golf, gardening, fishing, cooking, listening to country music, and watching sports. He was a die-hard Detroit Lions fan and spent countless Sundays hosting Lions games in his shed with the "Shedsters." Fred especially loved family gatherings spent grilling out in the garage with sports on the TV, country music in the background, and friends stopping in for a beer (or two). Affectionately known as "Big Fred", he never met a stranger, loved everyone, and had a huge generous heart. Fred was a loving husband, proud father and grandfather, loyal friend, and all around great guy who will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Fred is survived by his children, Jennifer Hnilica, Corey Hnilica, and Bethany (Jason) Wright; grandchildren, Lillian, Luke, Riley, and Emmett Wright; siblings, Susan (Doug) Pattan, Cindy Bendle, and Bradley Hnilica; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Jane; son, Freddy; sister, Diane Vincent; and brother, Jerry Hnilica. Online tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.