Fred Tracy Blessing, Sr., 96, passed away Friday, February 4, 2022 at his home in Spokane Valley, WA surrounded by his family.

Fred was born September 11, 1925, in Wardner, Idaho to Walter Louis Blessing and Clara Josephine (Smelcer) Blessing.  He joined his older siblings: brothers, John, Chet and Phil and sister, Julia.

He worked in the timber industry for over 43 years…sawyer, tugboat operator, scaler, foreman.

In 1946, he married Joanne Yount and they were blessed with four children: Theresa, Kathy, Fred Jr., and Debbie.  They were later divorced and he married Wilma Friedlander in 1969.  The blended family enjoyed many corn feeds and fish fries throughout the years.

Fred was an avid sportsman where he enjoyed the beauty of North Idaho and Eastern Washington.  For over 50 years he planted a large garden where he shared many of his vegetables and fruits with neighbors, friends and family. He grew fantastic corn, tomatoes and ribbon winning potatoes!

Fred is survived by his wife, Wilma and his children, Theresa Snyder, Kathy (Ed) Woodland, Fred (Linda) Blessing, Debbie (Wayne) White, son-in-law Larry Snyder, sister-in-law Vickie Bemis, several nieces and nephews, nine grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and one great, great grandson along with his wonderful friends and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walt and Clara Blessing, his brothers, John, Chet and Phil Blessing, his sister, Julia Kinsolving, stepson, Roy F Bemis, Jr. and stepdaughter, Gwen Brightwell.