Alfred “Fred” Escheu
January 29, 1933 - January 12, 2021
Alfred “Fred” Escheu, age 87, of Wilmington, DE, passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2021.
Born in Neusass-Augsburg, Germany on January 29, 1933, he was a son of the late Georg and Anna Ostner Escheu. Fred immigrated to the United States in January 1955. He was a tireless worker and dedicated 58 years as a horologist and proprietor of the former Allemann & Escheu Jewelers in Wilmington and was a proud member of the American Watchmakers Institute. Fred proudly served in the U.S. Navy for 6 years traveling all over the Mediterranean as an engineering technician. Upon being discharged from the Navy, he became a naturalized citizen in 1960. Fred was the EhrenVorstand (Honary President) of the Delaware Saengerbund and a past officer and founding member of Enzian Volkstanzgruppe. He was also a member of the Wilmington Ski Club and Delaware Saengerbund Kickers. In 1989, Fred was awarded the highest civilian honor, “Bundes Verdienstkreuz”, from the German president. In his leisure time, Fred enjoyed renovating his family home, sitting in his backyard relaxing with a Manhattan, and skiing all over the USA, Germany and Austria. He also was an avid soccer fan and relished watching his hometown soccer team, FC Augsburg, and spending time with his grandchildren while watching them grow up.
In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his siblings, Adelheid (Heidi) Valiante and Georg Escheu, Jr. and granddaughter, Malorie Haaz. He is survived by his devoted wife, Linda (Gannon) Escheu; children, Alfred Escheu, Jr. (Marela) of Winter Park, FL, Andrea E. Haaz (Theodore) of Hermitage, PA, Rainier G. Escheu (Sheila) of Lakeland, FL and Teresa M. Vikari (Klaus) of Wilmington; sisters, Anna Helmich and Erna Wagner (Michael), both of Augsburg, Germany; and grandchildren, Natalia A. Escheu, Theodore D. Haaz, Jr., Cordell T. Haaz and Hunter G. Lord.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 pm until 7 pm on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 am on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church, 907 Milltown Road, Wilmington, DE 19808. Face masks will be required for all in attendance. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fred’s memory to the American Cancer Society, 92 Read’s Way, Suite 205, New Castle, DE 19720.
Tim Gannon
To the Escheu Family: So very sorry for your loss. May your memories be long and your grief short.
Jeanine Gravinese
Teresa and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. He was one of a kind! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love- Jeanine
Dee Kelleher
Dear All,
My sincerest condolences. Keeping you all close in our hearts, sending love and prayers. I hope that you find some comfort in the memories and legacy of this wonderful man.
Much love,
Dee Jacono-Kelleher
James Ivan Ethridge
Fred was a good friend. I will miss him .
Sheila Biddle-Kinney
Sending our heart felt condolences, Fred was a big part of my German heritage here in the US, I grew up with him at the German club, my brother and I danced there, as well as my kids! He will be missed🙏😇
Hugel’s
Ruhe in Frieden Fred! Our deepest condolences to the family!
Rene (Irene) Shinn Rice
Fred was a wonderful person and I have always been pleased to call him friend. He was dedicated to honesty and service. Fred was always a person I respected. Love and best regards to Linda and his family at this difficult time. God Bless.
The Allemann & Family
Freddie became a partner in Eric Allemann’s Jewelry Store, Orange St., Wilmnton,Del. early 1960…He & his dear wife Linda, of 60+ years, became our close friends..During Alfred’s earliest years in USA, I remember his telling us he had recently spotted a pretty girl ,standing in the rain, “under her umbrella”at the bus corner…this meetng became 60+ years of their marriage with 4 wonderful children.. God Bless you all, we will cherish our many memories together. Bev Allemann & Family
Steve wise
I am sorry for the loss, I will miss the conversations I have had with him so many times. Also the good advice. He will be missed.
Jack & peggykirk
Linda and family very sorry to hear of Fred’s passing.Peg thinks of the both of you often.
Scott Mclaren
So sorry, what a great person. True gentleman that I was lucky enough to enjoy his company and the rest of this great family. What a full life….
Karen Mccall
To the Escheu Family,
I only knew Mr. Fred for a short time (Senior Helpers) but I adored him the moment I met him. I truly enjoyed the time spent with him and his family. He will surely be missed. I am so sorry for your loss ,you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Hoover
My heart is sad, but I pray for comfort for you all. I love the picture, it reminds me of pass times when we were all young and were raising our families. I will miss seeing Linda and Fred sitting on the steps, plucking weeds or riding the lawn mower or Fred shouting out to cars to “slow down”. God bless you all.
Always your neighbor, wherever you go. Barbara Hoover
Frank Wolf
Rest In Peace Fred and thanks for all you have done for DSB. To Linda and family, please accept my condolences. Frank
Martha Schmidt Cahill
The Escheu family was such a part of our family. Living in the same neighborhood and sharing our German culture. Uncle Fred will alway be in our fondest memories. These men were part of the greatest generation and their loss is profound. My deepest sympathies to you all. Love, the Cahill’s
Roy and Barbara Palo
Due to the pandemic, we won’t be able to attend the viewing. Please give our condolences to the family Fred was a good friend to our family thru the German club. Many good memories.
James, Irene and Daniela Georgeff
Dear Linda and family!
No amount of words can express the pain that you are going through. We are sending you love and prayers and hope you are able to find strength during this dark time.
Pete & Margie Schreier
Our condolences to Linda and family, with fond memories of happy times at the Delaware Saengerbund.
Jack McCartan
Escheu Family, we’re so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you during this difficult time. Fred was a friend to all and will be sorely missed.
Reynolds Family
We are very sorry for your loss.
Mr. Escheu has left a wonderful legacy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.