Frederick "Fred" John Iben of Monticello passed away surrounded by family on December 14, 2021 at the Banner Baywood Hospital in Mesa, Arizona.

Fred was born August 06, 1933 in Langworthy, Iowa.  He was the son of Frederick & Adele (Irps) Iben.  He attended Frog Hallow school in Langworthy.  On July 9, 1959 Fred married Frances Irene Gearhart and they had two daughters, Lisa & Laurie.

Fred started his career in the excavating business when he worked on the Illinois Toll Road.  Later he started Fred Iben Excavating & Grading which allowed him to work all over the great state of Iowa.  In the mid 1980's Fred & Fran purchased a large plot of land to the west of Monticello and built the very successful Walnut Acres Campground.  Through the years Fred also served as a volunteer Firefighter for the Monticello Fire Department and was a member of the Monticello Park Board.

Fred was very proud of his Iowa roots.  His daughters were always amazed how, no matter where they traveled, someone always knew their father.  He always wore an Iowa Hawkeyes baseball cap.  He said it was a great conversation starter.  If people didn't know him personally, they knew of someone he had worked for or someone who had stayed at their campground.

Fred is survived by his wife of 62 years, Frances, his daughters Lisa Kagasoff & Laurie Iben, his son-in-law Paul Aslaber and grand children Nicole (Kagasoff) Neet, Sarah Kagasoff & Maximilian Aslaber.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held in the summer.

In lieu of flowers Fred requested donations be made to the St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Monticello or the Monticello Fire Department.  Goettsch Funeral Home has taken Fred and his family into their care.  By visiting Goettschonline.com you may share your thoughts, memories and condolences with Fred's family and sign the online guest book.