Dr. Frederick "Fred" Sawchuk, MD Obituary

Dr. Frederick "Fred" Sawchuk, MD

October 4, 1938 - March 20, 2020
Battle Creek, Michigan

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First Presbyterian Church
111 Capital Avenue N.E.
Battle Creek, MI 49017

Leila Aboretum Society
928 W. Michigan Ave.
Battle Creek, MI 49017

Music Center of South Central Michigan
P.O. Box 1613
Battle Creek, MI 49016

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Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care

105 Capital Ave NE
Battle Creek, MI 49017
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Memories & Candles

“This was one of my favorite doctors. He always had time for his patients and listened to them. ”
1 of 26 | Posted by: Barbara Shambach - Covington, IN

“I will always be Grateful for What Dr.Sawchuk did for Me. So sorry for the loss of A Good Doctor. ”
2 of 26 | Posted by: Sharon Hepler - Battle Creek, MI

“Hi Kathy, Sara and I are sorry to learn today, of Fred having passed. Not only was he a professional colleague, but a great friend. It seems a...Read More » ”
3 of 26 | Posted by: Jack & Sara Hoffmann - TX

“I was so saddened to hear of Dr Sawchuk's passing, my mother told me many wonderful stories of the team of three doctors who made it possible for me...Read More » ”
4 of 26 | Posted by: Shawn Miller - springfield, MI

“I was very sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Sawchuk. I worked with him at the Community Hospital Trauma Center. He was a very kind and...Read More » ”
5 of 26 | Posted by: Sharon Paul - Macomb, MI

“I was very sad to hear of Dr.Sawchuk's passing today. What an honor it was to work with this fine orthopedic surgeon (Orthopedic floor and Emergency...Read More » ”
6 of 26 | Posted by: Cathy Ilich - St. Joseph, MI

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Sawchuk. He was a very skilled and kind doctor. In 1976 I was in a very bad automobile accident....Read More » ”
7 of 26 | Posted by: Debbie Ware - Battle Creek, MI

“Kathy & family:So sorry about your loss of Fred. Thoughts & prayers for each of you!!! We're very grateful for the each of the fun times shared...Read More » ”
8 of 26 | Posted by: Maxi Nash-Thomason - FL

“My sympathy to Kathy and family. A great neighbor and one time exploratory fishing partner. Don Thomason ”
9 of 26 | Posted by: Don Thomason - Bonita Springs, FL

“Our deepest sympathy to Kathy and the entire Sawchuk family. Fred was a special friend and neighbor and we will always remember the many lakehouse...Read More » ”
10 of 26 | Posted by: Gary Katz - Battle Creek, MI

“Sorry for your lost JANICE McKAY ”
11 of 26 | Posted by: A friend

“Kathy and family: My deepest sympathy. I am deeply saddened to read about Fred's passing. He was one of my favorite people to chat with at the...Read More » ”
12 of 26 | Posted by: Diane Cummins - Concord, MI

“Kathy, please accept my deepest condolences at the loss of Fred. I shall miss him dearly. Know that I share in your sorrow and that he will be in my...Read More » ”
13 of 26 | Posted by: stephen fedele - battle creek, MI

“Our sincere condolences to Dr. Fred Sawchuk's family. Fred was a dear friend and partner in practice. We spent many hours together in surgery and...Read More » ”
14 of 26 | Posted by: John and Sandy Morgan - Chapin, SC

“I'm so sorry to learn of Dr. Sawchuk's passing. I worked for him at BC Orthopeadics in the 1990's. He was such a kind and gentle man, both to his...Read More » ”
15 of 26 | Posted by: Marcia Wells - Mishawaka, IN

“My sincere condolences for the passing of Dr Sawchuk. I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Sawchuk both on the Leila orthopedic unit and in his...Read More » ”
16 of 26 | Posted by: Joyce (Dowd) Byers - Kalamazoo, MI

“I am so sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Sawchuk. I had the privilege of working for him at College Street Orthopaedics and at Battle Creek...Read More » ”
17 of 26 | Posted by: Dee Lind - BATTLE CREEK, MI

“Please know how deeply saddened I am and how much I respected and admired this man. He was not only my doctor, but a neighbor and friend for over 40...Read More » ”
18 of 26 | Posted by: Leslie Bowers - East Leroy, MI

“I had the privilege, over sixty years ago, of being a classmate and fraternity brother of a very serious, bright and athletic Fred Sawchuk. ”
19 of 26 | Posted by: Felix Fliss - East Lansing, MI

“We were very saddened by the loss of Dr. Fred Sawchuk. He was my very good friend, colleague, tennis partner and neighbor for over forty years.We...Read More » ”
20 of 26 | Posted by: Chihsing "Charlie" Chen - MI

“I am so saddened to learn of Dr. Sawchuks passing. My condolences to his family. Dr. Sawchuk was one of the finest men and one of the best surgeons...Read More » ”
21 of 26 | Posted by: Linda Cumback - Battle Creek, MI

“Dr Sawchuk was a fine orthopedic surgeon who served the community well. I often referred patients to him. My sincere condolences to his family.Dr...Read More » ”
22 of 26 | Posted by: Kurt Barrett - Battle Creek, MI

“Was very sad to learn Dr. Sawchuk had passed away. He was my doctor for several years. He was always friendly and caring with my treatment. Prayers...Read More » ”
23 of 26 | Posted by: Marianne Wells - Springfield, MI

“We are so saddened by the loss of Dr. Sawchuck. For several years we have enjoyed sitting near him and Mrs. Sawchuck at the BC Symphony concerts. We...Read More » ”
24 of 26 | Posted by: Teresa Durham - Battle Creek, MI

“My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I worked with him in surgery. He was such a wonderful man. ”
25 of 26 | Posted by: Charlene Snyder - Battle Creek, MI

“This man, along with his partner, Dr. Timothy Linquist, essentially saved my life in 1984/85. Dr. Sawchuck was my secondary surgeon and he would...Read More » ”
26 of 26 | Posted by: Petra McGinnis Armstrong - KY

Dr. Frederick James "Fred" Sawchuk, MD, age 81, of Battle Creek passed away peacefully at the Rose Arbor Hospice Residence in Kalamazoo on Friday morning, March 20, 2020. Fred was born in Albion, Michigan on October 4, 1938, the loving son of Paul M. and Steffenida M. (Zaremba) Sawchuk.

Fred graduated from Washington Gardner High School in Albion where he played football and was on the tennis team. Fred received his Bachelor's degree from Albion College in 1960, where he played football and was named the team's Most Valuable Player his senior year. He then attended the University of Michigan Medical School where he received a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1964. After five years of residency and training, Fred faithfully served his country as an Orthopaedic Surgeon in the United States Air Force, and was honorably discharged in 1977 with the Rank of Major. In 2007, he retired after over 36 years of private practice in orthopaedic surgery in Battle Creek.

Fred married the "Love of His Life", Katherine "Kathy" Munk at the First United Methodist Church in Albion on August 24, 1962. He is survived by his wife of more than 57 years, Kathy; two children, Dr. Steven (Jennifer) Sawchuk, DVM of Lancaster, Ohio and Elisabeth (Joseph) Avery of DeWitt, Michigan; six grandchildren, Alexander, Benjamin, Nicholas, & Matthew Sawchuk, and Amelia & Isabelle Avery; a sister-in-law, Barbara Sawchuk of Albion, and nieces & nephews. He was sadly preceded in death by a daughter, Laura Kathleen Sawchuk in 1976; his parents; and his older brother, Paul Sawchuk.

Over the years, Fred was a member of the former Calhoun County Medical Society, the Michigan State Medical Society, the Clinical Orthopaedic Society and was board certified with the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He was also a former board member of the Music Center and longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon, Trustee and on various committees. Fred was a Master Gardener and volunteered at Leila Arboretum.

A true family man, Fred enjoyed spending time with his family at his cottage on Little Long Lake, traveling with his wife, and special fishing trips to Canada with his family and friends. Fred's hobbies included gardening (especially with hostas), fishing, reading and playing tennis. Fred also enjoyed watching football, basketball, tennis and attending concerts with his wife, especially the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra. He will be best remembered for his unique sense of humor, strong work ethic and love of his family.

Due to the recent Government Regulations and the large number of people who knew and loved Fred, a celebration of Fred's life will be held at a later date at the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek. In lieu of flowers, memorials directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek, the Leila Arboretum Society and/or the Music Center of South Central Michigan, would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Fred may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.

Memories & Candles

Page: 1 of 3

This was one of my favorite doctors. He always had time for his patients and listened to them.

Posted by: Barbara Shambach - Covington, IN - Coworker Jan 03, 2021

I will always be Grateful for What Dr.Sawchuk did for Me. So sorry for the loss of A Good Doctor.

Posted by: Sharon Hepler - Battle Creek, MI Apr 16, 2020

Hi Kathy,
Sara and I are sorry to learn today, of Fred having passed. Not only was he a professional colleague, but a great friend. It seems a couple of life times ago that we played tennis together; then again, it was just yesterday in my mind. God bless you, Stephen and Elisabeth and all the family in the coming days. Love, Jack and Sara Hoffmann

Posted by: Jack & Sara Hoffmann - North Richland Hills, TX Mar 29, 2020

I was so saddened to hear of Dr Sawchuk's passing, my mother told me many wonderful stories of the team of three doctors who made it possible for me to walk and have a normal life. I will forever be grateful to Dr Sawchuk, Dr Amlec and Dr Allen for everything they were able to do for me. I hope his family is comforted by all the people's lives he was able to improve with his skill and knowledge and to know that his legacy lives on in those lives he helped.

Posted by: Shawn Miller - springfield, MI Mar 29, 2020

I was very sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Sawchuk. I worked with him at the Community Hospital Trauma Center. He was a very kind and compassionate doctor, and always a pleasure to work with. I pray that God gives his family strength, comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Sharon Paul

Posted by: Sharon Paul - Macomb, MI Mar 28, 2020

I was very sad to hear of Dr.Sawchuk's passing today. What an honor it was to work with this fine orthopedic surgeon (Orthopedic floor and Emergency Room) in Battle Creek. My sincere sympathy to the family. May God rest his soul.

Posted by: Cathy Ilich - St. Joseph, MI - Coworker Mar 26, 2020

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Sawchuk. He was a very skilled and kind doctor. In 1976 I was in a very bad automobile accident. I was a RN at Leila. To make a long story short I had a pulmonary embolism and Dr. Sawchuk came to my rescue, pounded on my chest and broke the clot up. He saved my life. He would never let me formally thank him for saving my life. Anyway,

... more

Posted by: Debbie Ware - Battle Creek, MI - Coworker Mar 26, 2020

Kathy & family:

So sorry about your loss of Fred. Thoughts & prayers for each of you!!! We're very grateful for the each of the fun times shared with families of our East Hamilton Lane community. Loving prayers continue!

Posted by: Maxi Nash-Thomason - Bonita Springs, FL Mar 25, 2020

My sympathy to Kathy and family. A great neighbor and one time exploratory fishing partner.
Don Thomason

Posted by: Don Thomason - Bonita Springs, FL Mar 25, 2020

Our deepest sympathy to Kathy and the entire Sawchuk family. Fred was a special friend and neighbor and we will always remember the many lakehouse memories we shared together. He was not only a respected doctor, but a hard working family man, with a quick sense of humor and a love for fishing. We will miss him! Gary & Connie Katz

Posted by: Gary Katz - Battle Creek, MI - Friend Mar 24, 2020

Page: 1 of 3

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Dr. Frederick "Fred" Sawchuk, MD Obituary

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