Frederick Martin Brasch, 87, of Casa Grande, Arizona, died Dec. 18, 2001 in Casa Grande.

The memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church of Casa Grande, with the Rev. Pam Haley officiating.

Mr. Brasch was born Jan. 21, 1914, in Farnam, Nebraska, the fourth of five children of Charles and Edith (Grooms) Brasch.

He received a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln and played varsity football for four years. He also studied at California Institute of Technology for a year.

He then was hired by American Airlines at Chicago Midway Airport. A flight dispatcher, he retired from the company after 39 years in 1979.

His hobbies included building and flying model airplanes. He was devoted to his family and recently wrote a memory book of his life for his family. He was a docent at Casa Grande Valley Historical Society and an elder at First Presbyterian Church.

He was known for his intellect with detail and remarkable memory. He had a keen interest in others and was a man of character and principles. He was a gifted storyteller and had a great sense of humor. He lived in Arizona for 23 years.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Phyllis M.; two daughters, Beverly Henson of Chelsea, Oklahoma, and Catherine Nye of Olympia, Wash.; two sons, Frederick M. Brasch Jr. of Boulder, Colo., and Howard Brasch of Lincoln, Neb.; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by four siblings.

Memorial contributions may be made to: First Presbyterian Church of Casa Grande, 702 E. Cottonwood Lane, Casa Grande, Az., 85222, or Casa Grande Valley Historical Society, 110 W. Florence Blvd., Casa Grande, Az. 85222.

Simes Mortuaries Casa Grande Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

The Casa Grande Dispatch, 26 December 2001