Frederic H. Duperrault
Feb. 7, 1926-Dec. 12, 2024
Mountain View, California
Frederic H. Duperrault, 98, passed to the next plane of existence on Dec. 12, 2024, in the warm embrace of his family. He dedicated his life to others, serving his family, his community, and the world. He was a compassionate and courageous father, teacher, public servant, sculptor, activist and visionary leader.
Fred was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin in 1926 to Ernest and Jenny Mae (Doyle) Duperrault. He was married to Lois Lenys (Hein) for 65 years until she passed in 2014. They joined their adult children, David (Jane), Cheryl, Alan (Graciela) and Jean in Mountain View in 1990. “Grandpa Fritz” was devoted to grandchildren Michelle, Julia and Danny, and great grandchildren Aulin, Asa, Asher and Alistair. He cheered for the Packers, Badgers, Giants and Warriors. Highly attuned to public affairs, he avidly consumed news and commentary. He traveled the world, visiting many countries and all 50 states.
After high school graduation in 1944, Fred served in the Army Air Corps. After WW2, he followed his love of art and met his true love, Lois, at the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee. They married in 1949 and moved to Chicago where Fred developed his gastronomy and ice sculpting skills at the Washburne Culinary Institute.
Back in Wisconsin, Fred delighted diners with creative cuisine and his award-winning ice sculptures. He earned his teaching degree at night from UW-Milwaukee. As a vice principal and teacher, he inspired a generation of kids in Brookfield and Platteville, WI. Demonstrating his courage, Fred organized the teachers’ union in Platteville in the face of fierce opposition.
To serve a broader community, Fred ran for the Wisconsin Legislature in 1970 and 1972. He was not elected but strengthened the local Democratic Party. A woman Democrat was soon elected to the Legislature (rare in rural Wisconsin in that time.)
Fred’s advocacy for family farmers and working people earned him recognition from U.S. Senator Bill Proxmire, who was running for re-election in 1976. After hiring Fred as a campaign aide, Proxmire won with 73% of the vote, a margin of more than 46 points! Fred then joined Proxmire's constituent relations office. It was Fred’s dream job, helping citizens navigate the Federal bureaucracy and receive their benefits, including Social Security, Medicare and VA services.
Both Proxmire and Fred retired in 1989. Fred continued to serve the public interest as an activist for social justice, civil liberties and peace. He was a leader of many organizations including Veterans for Peace and the World Federalists. He was an active member of the Christian Science Society in Platteville and the Christian Science Church in Mountain View.
Fred’s life will be celebrated on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, at 1:00 PM at the First Church of Christ, Scientist, 221 Bryant Ave, Mountain View, CA 94040. Reception to follow.
To join the service via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/9276839732?pwd=Yyt4dmpSRnZ1NCtqRk5qeGhobGMwZz09 Password: 859585.
Tags: veteran, arts/media, teacher/educator, public service
