Frederick A. Wilhelm, Jr.
Sept. 15, 1932-Dec. 7, 2025
Fred Wilhelm came into the world on September 15, 1932 and ended his final trip around the sun on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at the age of 93.
Fred spent his childhood in New Jersey where he attended St. Peter’s Prep, played baseball and became an Eagle Scout. He went on to graduate from the United State Naval Academy.
Following graduation, Fred was commissioned into the Air Force, where he served as a flight instructor and fighter pilot. Subsequently, he received his master’s degree in Computer Science from Stevens Institute of Technology and holds multiple patents in computer engineering. Working with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Fred led the network-interconnect design team in the development of the DARPAnet, the precursor to today’s internet.
Always ready for a new challenge, following his retirement from the computer industry, Fred applied his extraordinary discipline and intellect to receiving his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Certificate. For the next 25 years, he worked in the finance management industry and served as the founder and CEO of Tecumseh Investment Management.
After moving to Patagonia with Christina, an accomplished pianist and founder-director of the Santa Cruz Singers and Tapestry Ensemble, Fred and Christina set out to bring high quality performances of live classical chamber music to the Patagonia area and all of southeastern Arizona. Fred enjoyed singing with the Santa Cruz Singers and supported Christina in the founding of the Santa Cruz Foundation for the Performing Arts. He became the Foundation’s Chief Financial Officer. The enduring legacy of Fred’s and Christina’s contribution was the creation of the Foundation and the magnificent Benderly-Kendall Opera House in Patagonia.
Not to rest on his laurels, during and after COVID, Fred became a published author and wrote four books on subjects ranging from poetry and life reflections to investing, childrearing and the impact of the Muslim and Christian faiths.
In addition to his many accomplishments, Fred also loved golf, and in his retirement became a true student of the game. He enjoyed the game and the special camaraderie with his golfing buddies, always learning and striving to better his score.
Most importantly, Fred’s heart belonged to Christina and their children, Denyse, Laura and Gregory. In his book, Poetry Stories, Fred wrote of his children, “three different people, bright stars in the sky….pray that they be happy in life as they pass through.” In writing about his life with Christina, Fred wrote “don’t know when’s the last hurrah, doesn’t matter, just as long as we are enjoying the love of each other’s company, living life fully with exciting possibility.”
Fred is survived by his wife of 70 years, Christina and three children, Denyse Wilhelm, Laura Wilhelm and Gregory Wilhelm.
A memorial service in Patagonia is planned for the future.
Donations honoring Fred’s memory may be made to the Santa Cruz Foundation for the Performing Arts: PO Box 873, Patagonia, AZ 85624