Fred James White, Jr., of Chelsea, MI, passed away on November 6, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Detroit, MI on March 2, 1943, the son of Fred James, Sr. and Ursula Immaculate (Nadeau) White. On February 6, 1970, he married Laura T. (Pikarski), and she survives.
Fred grew up in Royal Oak, MI with his eight siblings and graduated from Dondero High School in 1961. He served in the United States Army from 1966-1968 and went on to attend Wayne State University, graduating with degrees in accounting, BA (1971) and MBA (1976). He was a CPA when he joined the University of Michigan in 1975 and served in many positions over 30 years, including 10 years as Associate Director of Financial Operations as well as interim University Controller and Executive Director of Internal Audit. Fred was well respected for his knowledge and love of the University and especially for his continuous mentoring of staff.
Fred loved spending time with family, being outdoors, hunting, working on their land, playing poker with friends, and going for walks with Laura. They enjoyed traveling all over together and spending time at the family cabin in the Upper Peninsula. He was an easy-going, optimistic person and one that was very thorough in everything he did. Later in life he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
In addition to his wife Laura, he is survived by his children, Sharon (Matthew) Salchert, and Thomas (Stephanie) White; his grandchildren, Alden and William Cook, Michael, Jacob and Nicholas Salchert, along with Chris, Caitlin, Emily, and Nick White. Fred is also survived by his siblings, Virginia White, Fran Polizzi, Carol Allan, Kathy Smith, Ray White, and Steve White; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Rachel L. White, his parents, and his sisters, Marge and Cecile.
Per Fred’s wishes, cremation and the scattering of ashes will occur at a private ceremony. Arrangements for a family and friends memorial are pending and will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Arbor Hospice Foundation.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
