Obituary of Fredrick Clifford Switzer
Frederick Clifford Switzer was born in Harper, Kansas on October 22, 1942. He was a loving
husband to his wife of 52 years, Patsy Lee Shurtz, born in Escalante, Utah August 22, 1943,
who preceded him in death on March 14, 2017. A supportive and loving father of 2 sons and 2
grandsons. Fred passed away on Friday, October 13, 2023 due to recent medical issues. He
beat throat cancer earlier this year and prostate cancer more than 10 years ago. Two days
before entering the hospital he was not feeling well, and this time, uncharacteristically, he did
not protest when taken to the hospital. Fred loved, in no particular order, horses, TV,
motorcycles, beer, traveling with family, and hoarding sometimes 3 or 4 of the same types of
tools that he packed into his garage and sheds, purchased from weekend yard sailing with his
wife. Hidden behind his rough exterior was a compassionate man who loved and cared about
family and friends. He retired from the Union Pacific Railroad after 42 years of service. Fred is
survived by his children, Steven Eric (Wife Brenda Fay Rathjen), and Jeffrey Lee, his two
grandsons Andrew and Matthew and his very loving and helpful little sister Judie Heckle. His
presence will be missed but never forgotten.
Immediate family will attend his internment on Friday, November 03, 2023 at 10:00 AM at
Sacramento Memorial Lawn located at 6100 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA.
Family and friends are welcome to attend a memorial at 11:30 AM on Friday, November 03,
2023 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 6711 Seasons Drive, Elk
Grove, CA.