Frederick William Case, Jr.
1927 - 2011
The son of the late Julia Blanche (Coash) and Frederick W. Case, Sr. was born February, 16, 1927 in Saginaw, Michigan and was a lifelong Saginaw resident. He married Roberta Elizabeth (Boots) Burckhardt, February 14, 1953.
Fred was a graduate of Arthur Hill High School and received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees from the University of Michigan. He served with the U. S. Army during World War II. He returned to Arthur Hill High School where he taught biology and natural science for 33 years until his retirement. He was named their Honor Alumnus in 1978. He was also named the Outstanding Biology Teacher in Michigan in 1971 and Outstanding Science teacher in 1987.
Fred was a mentor and counselor to many students. He was proud of the impact he had on many of his students, their career paths and sparking their interest in science and learning. Fred taught courses for Delta College, Chippewa Nature Center and the University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens. He and Roberta authored three books and authored or co-authored many articles for magazines and scientific publications about native orchids, trilliums, insectivorous plants, wildflowers and gardening.
Fred received numerous awards and recognition for his achievements in botany and lectured extensively. He had been associated with Cranbrook Institute of Science, The University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Longwood Gardens, and The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Committee on Endangered and Threatened Plants.
Fred was involved with the Michigan Botanical Club, North American Rock Garden Society, the Saginaw Valley Audubon Society, Saginaw Valley Orchid Society, The Nature Conservancy of Michigan, Michigan Nature Association, and many other horticultural groups. He had extensive gardens of rare plants, wildflowers and orchids and was an accomplished photographer.
Fred was awarded Saginaw All Area Arts Council Individual of the Year in 2002.