Alfred M. “Fred” Suarez
May 3, 1943 – April 22, 2024
VISITATION: Friday, April 26th, 5 to 7 p.m., with a VIGIL SERVICE to follow at 7 p.m., at Christ the King Catholic Church, 654 S. 86th St.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday, April 27th, 12:30 p.m., at Christ the King Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Creighton University, Christ the King Catholic Parish or Siena Francis House.
Alfred M. “Fred” Suarez entered into Heaven on April 22, 2024, with his beloved wife, Patty, by his side. He was 80 years old in life and 25 years old at heart. The day before his passing he was, as usual, surrounded by his best friends, telling stories, laughing, and feeling hopeful for the days ahead.
Fred was born in Peoria, IL, on May 3, 1943, to Mary Hession and Alfred M. Suarez Sr. His father left the family when Fred was a young child and he was raised by his mother, her sister, Ruth, and their extended Irish family. He was especially inspired and mentored by his uncle, attorney Joe Hession. Fred attended St. Mark’s Catholic School, Spalding High School, and Bradley University, all in Peoria.
Fred moved to Omaha in the late 1960’s to attend Creighton Law School. At Creighton, he met lifelong friends and his beautiful wife, Patty. She was a blonde-haired, blue-eyed freshman who Fred spotted as he and his friends “studied” in the library. Fred and Patty were married for 48 years, and she was the love of his life, raising 5 children together and supporting him through his many business and charitable endeavors. Fred frequently said, “I would not be where I am today without Patty.”
After law school, Fred went to work for the National Park Service, negotiating land acquisitions and contracts for more than 30 years. While working full time for the Park Service, he also ventured into several real estate and restaurant businesses. In the 1970’s, he purchased The Stable Bar and The Capitol Bar. He went on to invest in Omaha real estate, owning parking lots and property in downtown Omaha with his dear friends and business partners. Fred retired from the National Park Service and followed his dream after, as he would say, a “lifetime of market research,” to develop a large sports bar in Omaha, The Old Mattress Factory, aka “The Matt.” His vision evolved to include the Omaha Baseball Village, where thousands of fans come every year to celebrate the College World Series. Fred often arrived in the early morning hours to oversee operations, greet vendors, visit with employees, and host many groups on The Matt’s VIP deck.
Fred was a lifelong sports fan and loved to cheer on his Creighton Bluejays, never missing a game, and traveling around the country to support the team. He was a member of The Jaybackers Champions Circle, and he and Patty felt strongly that student athletes should be provided scholarships to finish their degrees no matter their performance on the court or the field. Fred and Patty were also major supporters of youth sports, developing club baseball and basketball programs, and leading many fundraising efforts for Westside High School. He mentored countless young people, many of whom still called him “Coach.” Fred was also an avid golfer, traveling around the world to play great courses with great friends. He often said he wished he could be on a golf trip for the rest of his life, to which his family replied, “You already are”.
While many will remember Fred’s business and community contributions, his greatest impact was made in his service to those less fortunate, as a friend to all, and as a father to his five children. Fred never knew a stranger, had friends throughout the world, and was genuinely curious to learn more about every person he met.
Fred supported and advocated for those without families, inviting them into his home for holidays, and in his later years, advocating for older adults in nursing homes who had no one else to oversee their care.
Amidst his many business and community pursuits, Fred was also a lover of history and was devout in his Catholic faith. At the age of 71, Fred walked nearly 500 miles from France into Spain, completing the Camino de Santiago. He went on to complete portions of the Camino four more times and meeting countless friends along the way. He talked about the Camino as a reflection of his Catholic faith and as a connection to the Spanish heritage of his father. Finishing the Camino was among his proudest moments.
There are no words to describe the loss Fred’s friends and family feel from his untimely passing. He was always the life of the party and a best friend to all.
Fred is survived by his wife, Patty; his children: Sarah (Ryan), Rachael (David), Alex (Courtney), Allison (Tim), and Nick (Emily); and his 16 grandchildren: Maria, Grant, John Patrick, and Connor Brennan, Tatum, Henry, and Phoebe Grace Houghton, Maya, Ethan, and Theo Suarez, Quinn, Brooke, and Luke Lynch, and Avery, Alfred James, and William Suarez. He is also survived by his two half-sisters, Sandra Bonham and Suzy Karasik.
May Fred forever rest in peace.
63 Comments
One of my closest friends very kind and so personable I will miss him terribly. A real gentleman.
God love ya Fred!
Fred you will be dearly missed May your soul rest in peace.
Fred had a rare combination of good humor, , kindness and sincerity .
He was thoughtful , loving and generous. He will be missed by his lovely family and his many friends.
Oh Patty, I’m so very sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. I think of you often and wish you and your family peace and healing.
My Sympathy sorry to hear about Freds passing, an old high school classmate with good memories of Fred.
May your many great Memories help you in these sorrowful times.
Fred lit up the room every time I was ever with him. A wealth of entertaining stories, boundless energy and positivity. We will all miss him a great deal and Omaha will forever be a better place for his efforts to promote and improve it.
Sincerest condolences to Patty and the extended Suarez family as they grieve their beloved Fred’s passing. We know Fred will be deeply missed by all of you and his legion of friends. Rest in peace, Fred.
I’ve enjoyed knowing Fred for the last 22 yrs. He was a joy to be around, My condolences to his Family.
Fred was one of the best. Always friendly, always asking about what was happening in my life, always encouraging. My heart goes out to Patty and their kids. What a blessing to have known him.
To: The Fred Suarez Family: Sorry to heard of your loss lovely husband Fred Suarez. Our hearts go out to you during this time of sorrow. I have known this great guy and always funny and laughs, smiles used to be working with him about many years ago and he is the boss of Chief, Lands Resources Division of National Park Service. oh I miss Fred S., and when he left on his retirement several years ago. I am sure that Fred Suarez will be deeply miss them as co-workers of National Park Service. Our Condolences for great miss and loss your lovely husband/partner/friend deepest sympathy his friends of Government Service -National Park Service. May God’s Peace fill your heart! Sincerely, Lisa and Leon French, Omaha, NE
Fred impacted lives in a most positive way and made those whose lives he touched better. Blessings to the Family!
I was honored to cross paths with Fred when he worked for the NPS. A man of good humor and energy, he appeared to be living life well and to its fullest. I’ll forever remember the story of his public request for sidewalk bricks to be returned to one of his properties after someone thought they were for the taking. The twinkle in his eye when he explained how they were returned was and remains a priceless memory.
Praying his family and friends rest in the abundant memories and legacy of positive influence.
We love you Fred and will entertain others for many years to come with stories of your antics. You are already so missed.
To the whole Suarez family: I am so very sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. I have such happy memories of him and your family from my days at SLU with your daughter Sarah. You opened your home to me to stay when I had a clinical rotation in Omaha and I will never forget how you treated me like family. Sending so many prayers and hugs to you all at this time. His legacy will live on through you all.
Patty and family, you are in my heart and prayers. Fred was one of the best and will be missed by all who knew him. We were lucky to have had him on our lives.
Fred was very welcoming and open to sharing ideas for various park and community service projects. We shared the good flavors of Mona’s restaurant from Toluca., il. Being an Illinois kid gave us a special relationship. I’ll miss you Fred. Peace and love to your family.
This is a beautiful description of a person who touched our lives
through Sarah and Ryan . We are so lucky we were able to spend time with Fred. He is truly one of a kind and will be missed by all. All our love to Patty and the family. – Jim and Lindsay Keller
Fred we we had too much fun in our youth, high school & college, and wonderful friends as old guys! God bless you we will never forget! 💕👴🏻Gerry
Beyond any shadow of doubt, Fred was one of the finest of people I’ve ever met in my entire life. Praying for God’s continued blessings for the entire Suarez family.
Rest In Heaven Fred, you definitely left your mark on westside baseball as well as when I saw you at Creighton events, Patty and family sending big hugs
I’m heartbroken to hear this news. Fred was an amazing man that I consider myself extremely lucky to have gotten to know over the years. My deepest sympathies go out to the Suarez family.
Patty, family: 💔. Fred was first class. Every time I was in Honolulu I went to his dad’s grave. My heart breaks for you all. I will miss that smile. Please stop in Pasta or Timber or Railcar and let us remember together. Requiescat in Pace.
Fred leaves family and friends grieving far and wide. May all find peace knowing Fred was about showing all how to live a full life devoted to his faith, family and friends.
What a great man! I am honored to have known him. He was a very positive influence on my early life as I met him after my dad passed away at the age of 10. He shared many wonderful and fun experiences with me through the Big Brothers.
I am so sorry for your loss Patty and family.
The Suarez family is in our thoughts and prayers. Fred’s smile and happy go lucky personality was contagious and fun to be around. He will be missed
Fred’s endless energy was inspirational. Sending love to Fred’s beautiful family.
It was my great privilege to have had the pleasure of Fred’s company on several occasions—alongside Sarah, Ryan, their family, and Patty, of course. I recall with vivid clarity the profound zest for life he exuded and generously imparted. His genuine laughter and captivating narratives fostered a profound sense of kinship among us. His absence will be keenly felt, yet it is evident that the enduring legacy of his principles will be revered for generations to come. Our thoughts are with all those dear to Fred, his cherished family, and friends.
To Patty and all of Fred‘s family thank you and thank God for allowing me to know Fred! I met him at a time that I was trying to find a place in the world. Through Patty’s introduction at Creighton Fred helped me raise money ,to attend school and still have a social life! hiring me to collect fees at his parking lots near the civic auditorium on Friday nights! He would tell me, just take your money off the top and put the rest in the drop box slot. As I matured and life carried me other places Fred always took my calls, was always up for a beer or conversation, sharing his wisdom, and humor. He told me just last Tuesday on the phone he wasn’t feeling so well, but that we would get together when he was feeling better. Indeed, Fred, we will!
Prayers to the Suarez family. Fred’s legacy is easily seen if you happen to know Nick and see the kind of man/father he is. The kind that a father can be very proud of, and one who only becomes that man by being raised by one himself.
Dear Patty and family,
I am so very sad to hear of Fred’s passing! He was like a brother to my whole family growing up. Please know he and your whole family will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Love,
Kathy Cain Murray
Dear Patty and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this trying time..May your joyful memories of Fred comfort you as you continue on your path in life.
Mary Ellen
I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Fred a couple times and was able to share a meal with he and his family. Such a great personality and so warm and inviting My condolences to the family. He definitely will be missed.
Oh Patty, I know your feeling of loss and chaos. I am so sorry.
What a huge loss for family and close friends! Patty & family, our hearts reach out to you with deepest condolences. We have known Fred since 90 or 91, as he touched our lives with Baseball first.
Fred was one of the most positive men I have ever been associated with, a true family man as well and a great energy and love for living Life!
He will be missed by all!
Judy and I are stunned and saddened to learn of Freddie’s passing. I don’t remember when I first met him, but we always looked forward to seeing him at the Capital Bar before Creighton games.. He was always upbeat, always positive and always friendly with everyone. We got to know Patty better when we accompanied the Bluejay basketball team to Australia. We will especially remember zip lining through the trees, and climbing across the Harbor Bridge.
Fred will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
I met Freddy in 1948. He was 5; I was 6. He was my oldest living friend and just so happened to have a birthday on May 3rd; the same as me. His mother would take us to the movies on our birthdays.
I will miss him greatly. 😞😞
I got to see him (along with his wife Patty) last July when we traveled back to Peoria. So glad we had a few hours together.
Patty, I am so terribly sorry to hear about Fred. My heart hurts for you and your family. I hope the wonderful memories can bring you comfort and peace in time. Sending prayers your way.
Dear Patty, I am devastated to hear of Fred’s passing. It seems like just yesterday we were in the observation lounge on our cruise, having a wonderful time. Life can seem so cruel sometimes. I know that Fred is now safely in the arms of our Lord, and I pray that your pain will eventually turn into endless happy memories of your many years together. Fred was a wonderful man, and the world is a lesser place without him. May he rest in eternal peace.
In 2006 we went to China with a group of lawyers from Nebraska. Fred and Patty came along. One afternoon we stopped in Tiananmen Square, Fred purchased 20:Rolex watches from a young man for 20 dollars, he passed the watches to the group, mine lasted 2 days.
We will all miss Fred !
Jim Schaefer
My deepest sympathy to the whole Suarez family. Fred was definitely a friend to all and he was such an influence on my career in the NPS. He always had fun and boy he was so good in his work. We all wanted to be just like him. And he never failed to talk about his family…he was so proud of his wife and children. I will miss him and will always remember him.
There are those that pass and you are saddened, and those that pass that you are saddened because they have personally impacted you and the world feels a little lonelier. The latter is truly Fred, who was also a beacon of friendliness, positivity, encouragement and compassion. There are many who have benefitted from his kindness and support and none more grateful than our son and my wife and me. Never forgotten
I worked with Fred with the National Park Service from the time I arrived in Omaha at the Regional Office in 1992. Fred provided a warm welcome and much advice on settling into Omaha and the school systems and services in the community and the YMCA. He served as an NPS Attorney Advisor, and I had the pleasure of working alongside him while he served as the Regional Chief of Concessions, Commercial Services and Leasing, and in his final role as the Chief of the Land Resources Division. He was always a positive person and found resolutions for the most complex problems. We all enjoyed Fred his positive and enjoyable spirit and particularly appreciated his unique resistance to adopting the impersonal emails in favor of his continued use of yellow legal pads and handwritten notes and draft correspondence. Patty and Family, I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers and we at the NPS will tell his stories and cherish our times and the memories with Fred. ….
Patty, I just heard of your loss. I never met Fred, but I’ve read all the Guestbook responses and he sounded like a very amazing person who brought a lot of good to this world. My deepest condolences.
Fred made everyone feel like they were his best friend.. A true gentleman and role model. He will be sorely missed by many. Rest in eternal peace Fred, I will miss you greatly.
As my oldest first cousin, I always looked up to Fred. He was a good family man and he set a very high bar to keep one’s interest in other people genuine and consistent. Thanks Fred. I ‘ll surely miss you.
Fred was a friend to so many, a devoted family man and my 1st cousin. I enjoyed all the many conversations we had about our “Hession’s of Peoria” connection and he always made me feel that I was a part of the Suarez family as well. My father, Dick Hession was Fred’s god father . Fred was Always interested in everybody, took the time to keep up on everybody was always smiling or always had a funny story to share (over a glass of wine more likely!!). He would always make the long trip to Peoria from Omaha if any of the “California cousins” (me, my brother Paul, etc) would come to visit. I will sorely miss seeing Fred with his arms outstretched with a huge smile on his face when taking in the surroundings of family, friends or of arriving at a beautiful destination…he loved life as much as it loved him back.
Love, cousin Carol Hession True
Always a class guy from my observations. I admired his business acumen. My condolences; He certainly had a great run!
Patty and Suarez family, Jan and I are devastated . Fred and I were neighbors on Barker Ave. in Peoria. We were brothers. We did everything together. I can still remember him bouncing a ball off of his steps for hours, playing baseball in his backyard. We even ran away from home.(Did not get far)
We so looked foward to his trips to Peoria and reminiscing.
Fred, you will be missed!
Love, Jan and Ed
May God hold Fred in the palm of His hand and may joyful memories sustain Fred’s family and friends. ☘
Fred was a good friend while I worked for him at the National Park Service, Land Resources Division. He was great boss and friend that will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to Patty and family. My prayers are with you!
Dear Patty and Family, Jan and I were devastated to hear of Fred’s passing. Fred and I grew up together in Peoria on Barker Avenue just one house apart. We spent countless hours together and were as close as brothers. I remember Fred bouncing his ball on the front steps of his house for hours at a time. Once we even ran away from home together although we didn’t get very far. Fred and I took trips to Milwaukee together to visit his Aunt and go to the Milwaukee Brave’s games. Later in our lives, Jan and I looked forward to Fred’s trips back to Peoria where we could visit and reminisce for hours. We send our deepest condolences to your family, Fred will certainly be missed.
Love, Ed and Jan
In short, Fred was simply the best !
Patty,
We were so saddened to hear of Fred’s passing. We will always cherish the memories of the glad times we shared. We will remember Fred as caring, sincere and devoted to his family and friends. He set a high bar for us all.
Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Don & Sheila Albon
We are very sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. Sending our deepest condolences to Patty and all of the family.
With love, Gary&Joni Hession Borquez (Fred’s 1st cousin)
Unlike some of his Park Service colleagues, Fred was not a bureaucrat. When presented with a problem he would apply calm real world experience and expertise. I always benefit from our discussions. He was a good guy.
I met Fred on his and my first Camino. We walked up and down many hills together and had many a cold beer together too, putting the world right. Even though he was 18 years my senior he could outpace me very easily. He was a fine gentleman indeed. Buen Camino! Fred. Mark from New Zealand.
Patty,
We were so saddened to hear of Fred’s passing. We will always cherish the memories of the glad times we shared. We will remember him as caring, sincere and devoted to his family and friends. We will remember his laugh and his smile. He set a high bar for us all.
Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
God love ya Fred!
My condolences to Patty and all of Fred’s family. I met Fred many years before moving to Omaha in my early years with NPS. He was so much fun to be around even when working. What a wonderful life – he loved his life, his wife, his job(s) and all his family so very much! I know he is on the other side …sitting on a porch with my husband Marty with an expensive glass of scotch and various dogs of their lives all around. Telling stories and making everyone on that side laugh and laugh. See ya on the other side dear man – Sandy
Patty & Family, I’m so sad to hear of Fred’s passing. His smile, laughter, hilarious antics & joy of life will forever be remembered by anyone fortunate enough to have known him. He had a heart of gold & his positivity, genuine caring & compassion for others was a rare find. He loved you & your family so much & was so proud of the life you shared. May he rest in peace & May you find comfort in warm memories of your life together.. God bless, Winnie
Sending all my love to you all I am still in shock I can’t believe this…. Fred has left a legacy of winners and humanitarians I know as he looks down from Heaven he smiles and is so proud. Fred was the “MAN” always so optimistic with a smile it didn’t matter what kind of day I was having when I saw him and Patty I knew I wanted to be just like them. I know he’s an Angel looking over his family and giving them strength.
This Peoria boy came to Creighton almost 40’years ago. Fred and Patty took me under their wing. I worked a bit for EZ Park. And would enjoy running into Fred at the Arch Madness back in the day. Fred was a friend and a great role model for me in life.
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