Pierre, SD – Fredrick George Magee Jr. embodied strength, dedication, and a true zest for life. Fred was a man of many talents and passions, but above all, he was a loving father, husband, grandfather, son, brother and friend to many.

Fred was born on August 16, 1961, in Pierre, South Dakota, and spent most of his life in Pierre-Fort Pierre area. From an early age, Fred’s life was defined by his love of the land and the lifestyle that came with it. He excelled in wrestling, bull riding, and bareback riding—traits that mirrored the toughness, resilience, and grit that would carry him throughout his life.

In high school, Fred met his first love, Kristi Hoenscheid, and they were married on February 7, 1981. Together, they built a beautiful life and welcomed two wonderful children, Bryce in 1981 and Karisa in 1983. Fred cherished his role as a father, and some of his fondest memories were the times spent with his kids, riding horses, snowmobiling, and watching them grow up to excel in sports and rodeo. He wasn’t just a spectator in their lives but an active participant—always present, always supportive. Fred was a rock to his family for many things. One of the biggest was being there taking care of his wife as she battled cancer. Their love for each other got them through many things. Fred lost his dear wife Kristi after 20 blessed years of marriage.

Fred was a hard worker. He spent his high school years at the sale barn, learning the value of labor and discipline. After high school, he began working at Magee’s Plumbing, where he stayed when Smith Plumbing took over in 2001. His career later transitioned to working for the State of South Dakota, where he remained until his retirement in 2020. Through it all, Fred was known for his dependability and his ability to do his job with integrity and skill.

But beyond his work, Fred was a man who loved life and embraced adventure. Whether it was demolition derby racing or participating in wild horse races, Fred lived his life with enthusiasm and joy. He was always up for a good time with friends and found fun in even the simplest activities.

Fred reconnected with Carmen, who he had known since childhood. This was a connection that would later blossom into a deep and enduring partnership. They first knew each other as friends, but life took them on separate paths before they reunited. Their journey together took a beautiful turn on May 13, 2017, when they were married in a simple ceremony at Lily Park, just across the street from their home.

Fred, a man of unwavering faith and affection, often remarked that he would have married Carmen after their first date. Carmen, in turn, always felt Fred had more belief in her than she did in herself. Their union was rich in love and support. Throughout their time together, Fred was a steadfast pillar of strength for Carmen, especially through her three major spinal surgeries and the unpredictable tides of life. Despite the challenges, including Fred’s diagnosis of Early Onset Alzheimer’s Dementia in 2019, their spirits remained undimmed. They embraced their shared journey with humor and resilience, often joking that their combined health issues made them “one half-assed good person.”

Fred and Carmen relished their unexpected retirement, which gave them the freedom to explore and enjoy each other’s company. Their passion for road trips became a defining feature of their lives together. They embarked on countless journeys, marveling at the beauty of the country and singing along to their favorite country tunes. Fred, ever the enthusiastic co-pilot, would cheer on Carmen’s driving while questioning her lead foot. Fred and Carmen’s adventures, filled with laughter and love, are a testament to their remarkable partnership. Together they faced life’s trials with grace and humor.

Fred also had a deep love for the outdoors. He spent countless hours hunting, fishing, and working with his dogs. As a talented pheasant hunting guide, Fred’s knowledge of the land and his love for the sport brought joy to many. Those who had the privilege of hunting with Fred knew they were in good hands and would always leave with stories to share.

When Fred became a grandpa, his heart swelled with pride and love. His grandchildren became his greatest joy, and he never missed an opportunity to be with them—whether it was chasing them through the park, watching their sporting events, or simply being present in their lives. He was the kind of Papa who showed up, who listened, and who made everyone around him feel loved. Fred cherished moments with loved ones, creating treasured memories that will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. Fred leaves behind a legacy of joy and resilience.

Many did not come to know Fred until after his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, but those who did became some of his most cherished friends and companions. Fred embraced every opportunity for connection with enthusiasm, whether it was a trip to the Sale Barn, a lunch date, a visit to the community garden, or a stroll around downtown Ft. Pierre. He found joy in supervising shopping trips, playing with remote-controlled cars, and creating countless good times with good people. His presence brought warmth and camaraderie to every gathering, and these shared experiences became a beloved part of his legacy.

From the moment Fred received his diagnosis of Early Onset Alzheimer’s Dementia, he faced it with remarkable courage and acceptance. Alongside Carmen, he chose to confront the challenges head-on with both vulnerability and honesty. Despite gradually becoming nonverbal as the disease progressed, Fred would often express his pride in their advocacy work by saying, “I am proud of us.” Their steadfast commitment to raising awareness and providing resources for those affected by Alzheimer’s was a testament to their deep passion and unwavering dedication. Fred and Carmen’s efforts have left an enduring impact on the community and inspired many.

There is no doubt that Fred felt the profound love, care, and kindness extended to him from all corners of his life. Fred was surrounded by compassionate hands and warm hearts. His family—Carmen, Bryce, and Karisa—worked tirelessly to provide him with the care, compassion, and dignity he so richly deserved. The collective effort of these remarkable people ensured Fred’s journey was filled with the respect and love he had always given to others.

From Fred’s diagnosis until he passed, he always remained the sweet, kind, and appreciative man the world knew him to be – never complaining and always meeting life with a laugh and a smile.

In the last few years, Fred developed a profound faith in God, placing his trust in the Lord with unwavering conviction. Both Fred and Carmen’s faith became their steadfast anchor, guiding them through both the toughest and most joyous moments of their lives. From the early days of their relationship, Fred had a cherished ritual of ending each day by telling Carmen, “Sweet Peace,” a gentle reminder of the serenity and love that defined their journey together and Fred’s journey to be with the lord.

Fredrick George Magee Jr. passed on September 9th, 2024, surrounded by family. His legacy is one of love, loyalty, and the belief that life should be lived with enthusiasm and gratitude for each moment. He leaves behind his beloved family: wife Carmen Cowan Magee, son Bryce (Kayla) Magee and their children Kaysen, Ryland and Ava, daughter Karisa (Brady) Gaer and their children Quintin, Braytin and Tinley, Carmen’s four children; Jolene (Chris) Garty and their children Grace and Jack; C.J. (Calli) Thorne and their children Tylee, Casen and Laney; Brady (Jen) Thelen and their children Cohen and Landrie; and Riley (Grace Absey) Thelen. Fred is also survived by his parents Marion Schmidt and Fred Sr. and Erma Magee, his siblings: Wanda (Chuck) Mickelson, Candance Klemann and Laurie Magee, step siblings: Cecelia Williams, Carla (Kelly) Watkins, Bob (Rose) Dietz, Steve Dietz and Duane (Kathy) Dietz, his father and mother-in-law Willie and Loretta Cowan, brothers and sisters-in-law: Shane (Julie) Cowan, Colleen (Lee) McCurrin, Casey (Shelly) Cowan, Lori (Shane) Conroy, Kara (Todd) Hughes and Cheryl Mathis, aunts and uncles, a host of nieces and nephews and extended family and countless friends who were lucky enough to have shared in his adventures.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife Kristi Magee, step father Cal Schmidt, mother and father-in-law Pat and Milo Hoenscheid, nieces Misti Klemann and Jessica (Hughes) Loe, sister-in-law Kim Cowan Churchill, brother-in-law Scott Klemann and step brother-in-law Mike Williams.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will go to Countryside Support and Memory Center (415 S Crow Street, Pierre, SD 57501) or the Alzheimer’s Association of South Dakota (5915 S Remington Pl. #110, Sioux Falls, SD 57108).

Fred, you will be missed, but your spirit will live on in every story told, every laugh shared, and every memory we hold dear. Thank you for showing us how to live life fully, and for loving us all so well.

Isburg Funeral Home in Pierre has been entrusted with Fred’s arrangements. Visit Isburgfuneralchapels.com.

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