Fred Seppanen, 87, of Mesa, AZ, formerly of Braddock, ND, died March 5, 2026, in Mesa, AZ.

Fred Arthur August Seppanen was born Oct 27, 1938, to Arthur and Vieno (Laine) Seppanen, in rural Braddock, ND. He was the first grandchild on both sides of his family, and was named after his father and both grandfathers, Fred Seppanen and August Laine. Fred was baptized, confirmed and a member of the Finnish Lutheran Church, rural Kintyre, later joining Trinity Lutheran Church in Kintyre.

Fred spoke only Finnish until he began attending the one room rural grade school. He was very proud of being 100% Finn. Fred spent his life on the Seppanen Farm. Fred farmed and raised black angus cattle until he retired.

Fred graduated in 1956 from Napoleon High School. He was active in FFA. For many years Fred was involved with the NDSU extension program involving cattle.

Fred's life was his farm and cattle, all the wildlife, his family and his neighbors. He was always welcoming to his neighbors, always willing to lend a hand

Fred and Bonnie Eichenberger Lee reconnected in 2012. He was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2014 with a short life expectancy. For the past several winters they enjoyed the warm weather of Mesa and driving to the Grand Canyon which was on Fred's bucket list. He was able to experience the historic town of Tombstone, Old Tucson, where many western movies were made and many drives to drink coffee and watch wild horses in the desert. He and Bonnie remained together as Life partners until he took his last breath on March 5th, 2026, after being in Hospice care for 6 months.

Fred's wishes were to be cremated. There will be a worship service and burial in the Spring.

He is survived by his sons, Laine (Chris), Tyler and two grandsons, Alex and Jerad along with His Life Partner Bonnie, and her family.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and granddaughter, Ashley.