Frederick Steven Zwegat

Frederick Steven Zwegat, 74 years of age, and a resident of Oberlin, passed away at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus on September 8, 2023 surrounded by family. 

Fred (known as Rick by his family) was born July 1, 1949, in Cleveland, Ohio where he was raised until he moved to Western Pennsylvania to continue his education. He eventually moved to Oberlin, Ohio, where he made his home from 1987 until his passing. Fred graduated with the class of 1967 from St. Peter Chanel High School in Bedford, Ohio. He received a bachelor’s degree from St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania and went on to receive his master’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Fred served as the Director of Audio Visual Services at Oberlin College for 29 years, implementing smart classroom technology across campus, before his retirement in 2016.

Fred had a deep interest in Japanese art and culture, and was an avid collector of Japanese woodblock prints and tea bowls. While raised Catholic, later in life, he became a Buddhist. Fred was artistically inclined and enjoyed oil painting, photography, stained glass work, woodworking, and gardening. He was a member of the Cleveland Museum of Art Print Club for more than 20 years and visited art museums around the world with his wife and daughter. In his younger years, he spent time backpacking and climbing the Americas and Europe. Fred enjoyed traveling and when time permitted, could be found fly fishing at Sunnybrook Trout Club. He was also a life-long Cleveland sports fan, avid reader, and history buff. Fred treasured the many precious moments driving his daughter to volleyball practices and watching her play through the collegiate level. His sense of humor and quick-wit were one of a kind, and will be sorely missed. 

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Tina W. Zwegat (nee: Cunningham), and his daughter, Zoë (Andreas) Zwegat Schmid of Brunswick; his brothers, Larry (Jan) Zwegat of Broadview Hts.; Bill (Marlene) Zwegat of Sagamore Hills; and his aunt, Carrie (John) Kercel. He also leaves many loved and loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended relatives, neighbors, former colleagues, and friends who will keep him in their hearts. 

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Dolores Zwegat (nee: Odziemski).

Friends may call Thursday, September 14, 2023, from 4-8 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home, Amherst, Ohio. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. from the funeral home. The Rev. David Hill, pastor of First Church in Oberlin, will officiate. Burial will follow at Westwood Cemetery, Oberlin, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Cleveland Museum of Art Japanese Collection or The Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, 39171 Tassajara Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924.

For those unable to attend please visit the funeral home's website to share a memory and sign the guest register, www.hempelfuneralhome.com.

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