Fred R. Schwend, 84, of Belleville, Ill., born October 22, 1930, died Thursday, June 4, 2015 at the VA Medical Center, Jefferson Barracks, Missouri.

Fred was an avid hunter and sportsman with a reputation of being "the fastest bird shot this side of the Mississippi." He was a US Army veteran stationed in Alabama and deployed as a crane operator to Jenny Lind Island. He also worked as a welder and maintenance worker. He was a member of the E&R Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents Oscar Schwend and Edna, nee Friederich, two sisters, Martha Hagemann and Julia Meyer and a niece, Patti Stump.

Surviving are his sister, Marie Gomez, a nephew Robert Stump, a niece Donna, nee Meyer, (Joseph) Richardson and her children, Jamie Bainter and Brent Richardson.

The family would like to extend a special "thanks" to his great neighbors: Teresa Hessel, Suzanne Kluger and Michael Guess for their friendship and kindness. Also a special thanks to Kelly Rule and all the other Shop 'n Save ladies that he enjoyed sharing jokes with and good times during his frequent visits to the store.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the donor's choice.

Visitation: Friends may call from 5:00 - 8:00 pm., on Monday, June 8, 2015, at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon, Ill.

Funeral: Funeral procession will depart the funeral home promptly at 9:15 am, Tuesday, June 9, 2015 for a Military Graveside Service to begin at 10:00 am at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St Louis County, Mo.