Main fundraiser photo

Dreams Live On: Honoring Fred's Final Adventure

Donation protected
**More Pictures at the bottom** Thank you for your time!

My Beloved Friends and Family,

As I sit down to share these words with you, my heart is heavy with sorrow, yet it is also filled with an immense sense of gratitude for the love and support we have received during this challenging time. I want to open up to you about the remarkable life of my father, Fred Grueneberg, whose journey was a testament to love, resilience, and an unyielding passion for nature, music, and family.

Born in the vibrant city of Miami, Florida, Fred was a true visionary from an early age. He was known as the little survivalist, his spirit ignited by the wonders of nature. His journey led him to study under the esteemed Bill Haast, where his love for animals blossomed into a lifelong passion.

With my mother, Sheri, by his side, my father was the epitome of a devoted family man. Together, they raised three children – Amanda, Randy, and myself – and filled our days with joyous adventures. Dad's love for fishing, camping, and sports knew no bounds, and his infectious enthusiasm inspired us all to embrace life's adventures with open arms.

But my father’s journey was not without its challenges. At the young age of 29, he suffered his first heart attack, and a decade later, he underwent five bypass heart surgery. Despite the odds stacked against him, Fred remained determined to live life to the fullest. He was placed on a heart transplant list and endured countless procedures, all in the name of spending more precious moments with his beloved family.

In addition to his love for the outdoors, Fred was also a talented musician. He played multiple instruments including guitar in different rock 'n' roll bands, inspiring people with his music and bringing joy to all who heard him play. His love for music was a constant source of inspiration for our family, reminding us of the power of music to heal and uplift the soul.

In 2007, Fred embarked on a new adventure with his wife, Victoria Woods, and together, they built a life filled with love and laughter in Belize. Their passion for exploration led them to create a small resort, where they welcomed guests from around the world and forged lifelong friendships. Yet, as our family grew, Fred's heart yearned to be closer to his children and grandchildren.

In 2021, amidst the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, Fred and Vicki made the decision to return to Florida to build their forever home. With unwavering determination, they found the perfect plot of land in Inglis, where Fred dreamed of sharing his love for music and the outdoors with his family.

In 2023, Fred and Vicki began the arduous task of building their dream home, with Fred at the helm as the owner and contractor. Despite battling illness – much like Covid-19, though undiagnosed – Fred pushed forward, driven by his love for his family and his unwavering determination to complete the home where memories would be made for generations to come.

On April 2, 2024, surrounded by his family, Fred passed away unexpectedly from heart complications, leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience that will forever be etched in our hearts. His last dream was to complete his final home with his wife Victoria, a place for their grandchildren to continue to grow and create long-lasting memories. This is a promise that we are determined to keep.

My brother Randy and I are committed to honoring our father's memory by finishing what he had started. With less than 140 days until the next inspection, we ask for your help. Whether you can donate time, expertise, or financial support, every contribution brings us one step closer to fulfilling our father’s dream.

As we embark on this journey, I am reminded of my father's unwavering strength, his boundless love, and his relentless pursuit of his dreams. He may no longer be with us in body, but his spirit lives on in the memories we hold dear and the love we share as a family.

We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love, support, and your belief in the power of dreams. Together, please help us finish what our beloved father started and honor his legacy in the most meaningful way possible.

We know that with God, all things are possible.

With Heartfelt Gratitude,

Jennifer

Dad, Randy, and I.

Dad and Vicki.

Dad and Vicki Christmas 2023.

Dad and Vicki at their kitchen in Belize.

Dad and Vicki in Belize.

Dad in Belize.

Dad in Belize.

Dad and Randy.

Dad and I before having stents put in for his heart.

Fishing with Dad.

Dad and Vicki with Randy's children.


Dad, Vicki and my kids.

Dad's house blueprints.

Dad taking a break while working on the house.

Dad working on the house.

Dad working on the house.

Dad and his grandson, Dylan, working on the house.

Helping Dad lay the sub-floor.

Dad working on the house the day before he passed away.

Randy and I with our families together at Dad's property after he passed.

Dad's Wife, Vicki, with 6 of their Grandchildren at the house site after Dad passed away.
Donate

Donations 

    Donate

    Organizer and beneficiary

    Jennifer Phipps
    Organizer
    Inglis, FL
    Victoria Grueneberg
    Beneficiary

    Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

    • Easy

      Donate quickly and easily

    • Powerful

      Send help right to the people and causes you care about

    • Trusted

      Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee