Fredrick Emil Metzel- dedicated father, grandfather, and friend – passed away in his sleep at his home in Brooksville, FL on Saturday, November 12, 2022.

Fred was born to Emil and Marion Metzel in Chicago, IL on March 9, 1954.

He was known to be adventurous during his teenage years; just ask any of his 8 surviving siblings. After which, he entered the trades as a carpenter which led to 30+ years as a business owner in the construction industry.

Fred was blessed with a large and loving family. He met his wife-to-be, Mary, in a small town in Alabama through mutual friends. They were married on January 26, 1980.

Fred is survived by two wonderful children and five grandchildren, albeit you’ll find many more who called him “Grandad.” He lived vicariously through his grandchildren by taking them on varieties of outdoor adventures, teaching them the mechanics of every toy, and sharing a litany of funny anecdotes. They brought him so much joy and happiness.

Anyone who met Fred knew he had a brilliant mind and could build or repair anything. He loved to teach the next generation how to do things the right way. He was passionate about his work and enjoyed fixing and rebuilding projects in his personal time. He loved building and riding motorcycles, and the feeling of freedom he had exploring new places on two wheels. His friends and family would tell you, he never met a stranger. He had a genuine interest in the lives of everyone he met and always put the needs of others above his own.

Fred was an audiophile who loved the sounds of Humble Pie, Santana, Grand Funk Railroad, Led Zeppelin, and Jethro Tull on his vintage stereo systems, playing loud enough for the whole neighborhood to hear. He shared his love for music with anyone who would listen but had a particular bond with sharing his love of music with his granddaughter Gianna, for whom he would love to scour eBay for her next vinyl album.

If there is nothing Fred loved more, it was his family, a good cocktail, and an old western movie. Better yet, a good cocktail with his family while watching an old western movie. He lived his life to the fullest and encouraged everyone around him to “Go have fun.”

Fred was predeceased by his Father, Emil, Mother, Marion, Sister Nancy, and Wife, Mary. He is survived by his daughter Amanda (husband Nick) and son Zack (wife Jordan); five grandchildren, J.C., Gianna, Ashli, Brandon, and Nicky; eight siblings Carol, Jeff, Mike, Perry, Greg, Pete, Larry, and Lisa.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at Dobies Funeral Home at 9944 Hudson Ave, Hudson, FL 34669. The viewing will be held from 2-4 p.m. with a service to follow.