Frederick James Laube

Frederick "Fred" James Laube, 78, went home to meet his Savior on Saturday, June 30, 2007 at the VA Medical Center. He was born on April 13, 1929 in Bayonne, NJ and grew up in Jersey City, NJ. He is preceded in death by his parents, Fritz and Erna Hein Laube, who were German immigrants to this country. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Rudolf "Rudy" Laube; sister, Lillian Krywinski; son Fred Laube, Jr.; daughter, Lynda Laube Fairman; and his first wife, Carol Schmidt Laube. Mr. Laube was a retired Navy Master Chief with 26 years of service for his country. Fred loved the Navy and always said he wished he had stayed in longer. During his years of service, he and his family were stationed in Newport, RI, Norfolk, VA, Mayport, FL, and San Diego, CA. Fred rose in rank until he had important assignments such as supply chief on the USS America, which fed a crew of approximately 5000 each day during the Vietnam War. He was an instructor on the Navy base in San Diego, and his last duty station was as supply chief for that base. After his retirement to North Carolina, he was employed by the North Carolina Department of Corrections, and later worked for the Buncombe Co. Sheriff's Department. He was a member of Grace Episcopal Church. He was a Master Mason and was currently serving as the Worthy Patron of Biltmore #38, Order of the Eastern Star. He was also a member of the American Legion. He traveled widely with the Navy. His favorite tour was when he was stationed on a weather ship based in New Zealand. He loved the people of New Zealand. His ship patrolled the waters of the South Pole and he had some amazing stories to tell about that experience. Fred was an adventurous soul. One of his favorite songs was "On the Road Again". He loved to travel in his motor home, and was always planning his next adventure. He had a lifelong passion for cars. He was always a thankful person. He said each day, "Thank you, Lord, for another beautiful day". Fred was a generous person who supported various charities. He had a wonderful personality and sense of humor that endeared him to many people. He is survived by his best friend and wife of almost 19 years, Linda Hipps Laube; daughter, Constance Jean Laube Salamon and husband Carl, of Ravenna, OH; grandchildren, Jessica Collins, Cade Salamon, of Ravenna, Travis Fairman and wife Kathrin, as well as Nathaniel "Nate" Fairman, all of San Diego, CA; great-granddaughter, Makayla Fairman; foster daughter, Lisa Swann and her daughter, Maddison Norton; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Grace Episcopal Church with the Revs. Gary Coffey and David Tucker officiating. His family will receive friends 6-8:00 p.m. Thursday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. Interment of the ashes will occur at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery after the first anniversary of this death. He fought a long battle with myelodysplastic syndrome which made him totally dependent on blood transfusions in order to live. The family's heartfelt thanks go to the American Red Cross, and all of its blood donors. Sincere appreciation is given to the staff at the VA Medical Center, where he always received excellent care. Special thanks also go to Dr. Richard Lind, and the nurses in the Oncology Clinic and on Floor 5 West. The family is grateful for their skill, compassion and love. Flowers are appreciated, or donations may be made to the America Red Cross, P.O. Box 96456, Washington, DC, 20090.