Frederick “Fred” Winfield Stoye Jr., age 72, of Arapahoe, Nebraska passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Cambridge Memorial Hospital. He was born in Woodbury, New Jersey on September 17, 1953 to Frederick Sr. and Christina (Ramsay) Stoye.

Fred grew up in New Jersey as the second youngest of four siblings. He graduated from Woodstown High School in 1972. With a strong desire to serve his country, Fred enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in January 1972, proudly serving as a private.

Following his military service, Fred attended Cumberland County Community College in Vineland, New Jersey, where he earned an Associates of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice in December 1974. Upon the recommendation of one of his professors, Fred made the move to Nebraska and attended Chadron State College, earning his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice in August 1976.

While attending Chadron State College, Fred met the love of his life, Chadron native, Cam Lyn Umshler. Their courtship lasted just six months before they were united in marriage on November 14, 1976 in Chadron, Nebraska. Together, they built a life centered around their family.

Their first daughter, Kiley Sage, was born on December 20, 1980 in Chadron. Fred continued his education at Chadron State College, earning his Master of Arts in Education in May 1983.

Fred’s passion for helping others led him and his family on many adventures throughout the years. His career included serving as a probation officer, professor, counselor and advocate, among many other roles. His work took the family back to his roots in New Jersey before eventually returning them to Nebraska and Iowa, with stops in Rushville, NE; Chadron, NE; Council Bluffs, IA; Seward, NE; and Glenwood, IA, before ultimately making their home in Arapahoe, NE.

Along the way, their family grew. Their daughter, Katey Sarah, was born on June 14, 1985 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. After two daughters, their son, Jonathan Michael, was born on January 13, 1988 in Lincoln, Nebraska, completing their family.

Fred had a strong work ethic from an early age, even helping to build his family’s homes as a teenager. He enjoyed working on cars and could often be found tinkering with them in his free time. In his earlier years, he enjoyed running, singing in the church choir and performing in community plays.

Fred had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and especially enjoyed trapping, hunting and fishing. He also had a passion for music, particularly classic rock. He loved listening to his record albums and drumming along on his trap set. Fred was an avid reader, with a particular interest in books about medicine, religion and philosophy. His curiosity and desire to learn were lifelong parts of who he was.

Fred was extremely well-spoken and possessed an impressive vocabulary - often described as a walking thesaurus by his family. He was quick-witted, sarcastic and had a unique sense of humor that those who knew him well will always remember. His sharp mind and ability to find the humor in things were unmistakably Fred.

Fred was a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA), The American Legion and Pheasants Forever.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick Sr. and Christina Stoye; his older sisters, Christina and Paula; and his parents-in-law, Warren and Genevieve (Jen) Umshler.

Those left to cherish and celebrate Fred’s life include his beloved wife, Cam Stoye of Arapahoe; daughter, Kiley (Bob) Slaymaker of Kearney, Nebraska; daughter, Katey (James) Price of Waterford, New York; son, Jonathan (Nicole) Stoye of Seward, Nebraska; brother, Kirk (Kerry) Stoye of Bluntisham, England; brother-in-law, Skip (Bev) Umshler of Mount Vernon, Missouri; sister-in-law, Sherry (Mike) Cacy of Arapahoe; grandchildren, Taylor Slaymaker, Jackson Slaymaker, Nixon Slaymaker, Olive Price, Rilynn Stoye and Oaklynn Stoye; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly. Fred’s compassion, patience and fortitude will forever be remembered and cherished by all who had the honor and privilege of being part of his life’s journey.