Frederick “Fred” Zievers

Frederick “Fred” Leo Zievers, 72, of Pleasant Prairie, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center with his wife, Melissa, by his side.

Born in Pomona, California, on July 3, 1951, he was the son of the late Carl J. and Edith C. (Lichter) Zievers. Upon his family’s return to the Kenosha area in 1957, Fred attended St. James School, St. Joseph High School for one year, and Bradford High School, graduating in 1969. Fred earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside in 1973 and his Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School in 1976.

Fred then embarked upon an esteemed, decades-long legal career in the Kenosha area. After serving as an assistant district attorney in Brown and Kenosha counties, Fred entered private practice, retiring with the firm of Zievers & Dowse. Fred was a brilliant, highly respected attorney and was proud to have argued before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Fred was a former member of the State Bar of Wisconsin and the U.S. Supreme Court Bar.

On March 15, 2008, he married Melissa C. Roach at the Kemper Center, and they built and shared a beautiful life together for fifteen and a half years.

Fred was an astute observer of American politics and a student of history. An avid reader, Fred regularly read three books at a time. Fred also enjoyed spending time at their home in Naples, Fla., golfing, rooting for his Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Reds alongside his beloved dogs, cooking, baking and grilling, and tending to his yard.  Most of all, Fred loved spending time with his wife, family and his many friends in Kenosha and Naples. Fred was a true Renaissance man.

Fred is survived by his loving wife, Melissa; daughter, Stephanie Zievers, of Madison; siblings, Carl John (Carolyn) Zievers III of Tacoma, Wash.; Paul (Cliff) Zievers of Seattle, Wash.; Ann (Bruce) Branchini of Old Lyme, Conn.; and Peter (Zhe) Zievers of Naperville, Ill.; father-in-law, James Roach, of Kenosha; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Barbara (Jeffery) Clark and Michael (Mary) Roach of Pleasant Prairie, Joseph (Michelle) Roach of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Mary (Mark) Kuspa of Parker, Colo.; several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews; and several cousins.

In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Catherine “Pat” Roach, in 2016.

Funeral services honoring Fred’s life will be held on Sunday, September 24, at the Kemper Center Founders Hall in Kenosha. A Celebration of Life/visitation will take place from 1:00–4:00 p.m., with a service immediately following.

Melissa wishes to thank the medical teams at St. Catherine’s and St. Luke’s for the exceptional and compassionate care they showed Fred and Melissa during this most difficult time, as well as the many family members and friends whose outpouring of love and support has meant so much.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Fred’s memory to the Shalom Center and the American Heroes Café-Kenosha.

Casey Family Options Funerals and Cremations

Stephen P. Casey. Owner and Funeral Director

(262) 653-0667

www.CaseyFamilyOptions.com

Thoughts for Frederick “Fred” Zievers;

    • george manesis says:

      I had the good fortune of having Fred as a student at bradford high school and later as a client. we extend our sincere sympathy to Melissa, Stephanie and family. George and Georgia Manesis

  • Mike Serpe says:

    Debra, Fred’s Bradford HS, and I his decades-long friend, are so saddened to be reading this.
    Fred was always a good, kind, and gentle man.
    He will be sorely missed by everyone he touched.
    Live to Mel and family.

  • Diane and Dave Swanson says:

    A dear friend for over 30 years. A kind and generous man who will be missed. So sad we are not able to attend the memorial, as we are out of town. Love and prayers to Stephanie and Melissa.

  • Joyce Kopacz Sorensen says:

    Melissa and family,

    I am thinking of you all at this difficult time and wishing you comfort and peace. Extending my sincere sympathy. We all will hold on to the good times and memories of Fred with a smile. RIP 1969 Bradford Classmate.

  • Mary Breunig says:

    My cousin Fred, I will miss our conversations but especially you, a wonderful cousin. My love and condolences to Melissa, Stephanie and all the Zievers clan.

  • Nancy Brand says:

    My thoughts and prayers go out to Melissa and Stephanie and the Zievers family. So sorry for your loss. Fred was a great guy and my friend.

  • Michael De Fazio says:

    Fred, was a very good man. I often made referrals to Fred when I was still practicing as a psychotherapist.
    To his family I am sorry for your loss, May he Rest In Peace.
    Mike and Terri De Fazio

  • Judy Lichter Summers says:

    My Love, and hugs to Fred’s daughter, Stephanie., I am saddened, no person at your age should have to lose a parent, he was so young at heart.I love you, and, hope to hug you at the Memorial, keep Melissa in tour heart and arms also. Love, Aunt Judy Lichter Summers.
    Peace be with you Steph.!!

  • Bob Zapf says:

    As a dear friend and colleague for many years, I can say that to know Fred was to like him. He will be sorely missed. On the one hand, he was a fierce competitor in court; on the other hand, he was a compassionate human being with a good sense of humor. Fred always had an opinion on matters and was not afraid to share them with you. Well now, we have the last word, “No mulligans this time.” Rest in peace, my friend, and may God bless Melissa and the entire Zievers family.

  • Deborah Leable says:

    Melissa, I am so sorry to hear of your Fred’s passing. You and Fred were quite a love story. My thoughts and prayers
    are with you. Love, Debbie

  • Debbie Leable says:

    Melissa, I am so sorry to hear of your Fred’s passing. You and Fred were quite a love story. My thoughts and prayers
    are with you. Love, Debbie

  • Don Bielski says:

    My friend, colleague and sometimes mentor, I was proud to be all
    of them and you will be missed. Somehow, it is not fair that you will
    not be around to laugh at me missing yet another three foot putt.

  • Thomas iorio says:

    My sincere sympathy and condolences. I remember the fun times and memories of our school days. RIP my friend.1969 Bradford Classmate.

  • Tom Werbie says:

    My deepest condolences to Melissa, Stephanie, and Fred’s other relatives. And also the privileged people who were lucky enough to call this outstanding gentleman a friend.
    My life would have been diminished had Fred not been a part of it.
    Tom Werbie Sr.

  • Keith R .Dumesic sr says:

    Fred a good guy and a excellent defense attorney I was a kenisha police dept detective and Fred was always professional in court trials RIP Fred

  • Ann Krulatz Rosmann says:

    Sending condolences to the Ziever’s family. Great memories of Fred being our softball coach back in the late 70’s and we sure enjoyed his attitude for life. May the memories ease the sorrow and loss you feel today and always. RIP coach Fred.

  • Jill Zimmerman says:

    I worked with Fred, both in the courts and as an employee, for many years. He always fought hard for his clients, especially when he thought they weren’t getting the justice he felt they deserved, particularly with some of Kenosha’s more notorious citizens. I remember him as a young Assistant District Attorney leading the Draft Zapf election movement. Never a quitter, he played league softball well into his 40s. He had a sharp legal mind and really enjoyed matching wits with a worthy opponent.
    Fred could be a tough boss, but there were many sides to him. He often made time for old clients who had no money but showed up at the door, in crisis. He was appalled to hear that some of my co-workers had never heard of the movie Sunset Boulevard, so he arranged a mid-day screening of it in the office conference room, complete with snacks and his (usually) patient explanations. I remember him once telling me it was permissible for him to notarize his own signature as long as he used his right hand (Fred was a lefty). He was not above allowing himself to be cajoled into letting us close the office early on a slow Friday afternoon so we could all head over to Sunnyside for drinks. He was also director of our annual law office Christmas cookie exchange until he started wintering in Florida. It was utter chaos without him, as I told him last year.
    Fred’s passing is way too soon. I haven’t seen him in several years, but it was good knowing that he was out there, still around. I’ll miss knowing that. Rest well, old friend.

  • Donna Juzwik says:

    My sympathy to Melissa & Family. Fred was a Bradford 69 Classmate. Gone too soon. May your memories bring you comfort and peace.

  • William Redlin says:

    We were so surprised to hear of his passing. Melissa our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family. We will not be attending the service for health reasons. We will be thinking of him while the service is being conducted and after.

  • Pam Drummond says:

    My condolences to the zievers family. I knew Fred when he was in the DAs office and after in private practice. We also played co-ed softball together for several years. Fred was a great guy and fun to be around.
    My thoughts are with you

  • Kathy (Baron) Bell says:

    My deepest sympathy to Melissa and Fred’s family. He was a great softball coach when he coached me and my sisters in the late 70’s to mid 80’s. RIP and yes, it was catchable!!

  • Karin Anderson says:

    A mentor and a colleague, Fred was one of the first attorneys to offer support, guidance, and unwavering encouragement when I began my legal career. He will be greatly missed. My sincere sympathies to Melissa and family.

  • Robert Barengo says:

    My deepest sympathy to Fred’s wonderful wife Melissa and his outstanding daughter Stephanie.
    What started out as a business relationship more than 30 yrs ago , quickly blossomed into a Fantastic friendship. We shared the love for so many thing’s, cars, the love of a good competition, and simple wagers. Bears vrs Packers, debating political issues, or his love for the garden, and of course a nice drink and a good cigar. He was a Rock, a wealth of knowledge , and a sympathetic ear . He was called home way to early..
    I will miss him dearly all the rest of my days.
    Rest in peace my dear friend.

  • Jeannie Morgan says:

    A wonderful human with so many talents. A caring and brilliant attorney. So sad to hear of his passing. Condolences to his family.

  • Lill Hauschild says:

    Dear Melissa: I have seen such happy pictures of you and Fred in Naples. All of a sudden no more – my thoughts are with you and the family, Fondly Lill Hauschild

  • Wendel and Cheryl Friedl says:

    Dear Melissa and family of Fred. It is with great sorrow to hear of Fred’s death. Such an unexpected premature passing . Fred had a great sense of humor, and was a great attorney. Wendel and I have known Fred since the late eighties, and I have pictures of him at our wedding laughing and having fun. He was a good person, and friend. Wendel always would take extra time for him because he enjoyed Fred’s company and conversation. May your hearts find peace in time and may the Joy he gave to others, and the contributions he made to his clients, and colleagues and friends fill your hearts with pride as you navigate this life with his memory and legacy at your side.
    Sincerely, and with affection and admiration for Fred.

  • Kerry Connelly says:

    Our condolences to the entire Zievers family. Just a shock. Fred was always great to work with. He was always a gentleman and professional.
    I actually got to know Fred when we were kids in Lincoln park.
    He will be missed by all.

  • Lynne Jorgensen says:

    My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the Zievers family. I worked with Fred at the law office for many years. Fred was simply “the best”!
    Wishing all your wonderful and special memories of Fred will bring you peace and comfort. Rest in peace Fred.

  • Matthew Troha says:

    I had many great times with Fred either working for him, golf trips, and sitting talking about current events in our society. He was always laughing and looking to help others. He was a great mentor and friend. Myself and Libby were lucky enough to have Fred officiate our wedding in 2009. Our thoughts go out to Melissa, Stephanie, and their family.

  • David Parmentier says:

    Rest in peace, Fred. It really was a pleasure working for you & Melissa. We appreciate all the work you gave the Parmentier’s. Sincere sympathies to Melissa. We are so very sorry for your loss.
    Dave, Janet, David & Karen, Tom & Nancy, Brian & Lisa

  • Lisa Lichter Zimmerman says:

    My cousin Fred showed up in our darkest days with the loss of my two sisters, Gretchen and Judy. That meant alot to me and my siblings. He always came to family gatherings, whether a funeral or a celebration. Fred was so kind to my parents in their last years.
    He was a good egg. When we were growing up, Fritz always had a supply of comic books at his house. Condolences to Melissa and Stephanie and the Zievers family; John, Paul, Annie, and Peter. It’s hard to lose a sibling, who is also a husband and father. Bless you all.

  • Jayne Steinmetz says:

    So very sorry, Melissa, for your loss of your husband, Fred. Thinking of you and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers…

    Jayne (Aiello) Steinmetz

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