Herman Frederick Bachmann was born March 21, 1937, in Pulaski, Iowa, the son of Herman and Irma Bachmann. He graduated from Bloomfield High School and attended Northeast Missouri State Teacher’s College, where he received his Industrial Education degree. On November 30, 1957, he was united in marriage to Bedonna Lee Gutshall in Gilman City, Missouri. They lived in Kirksville and Palmyra, Missouri before moving to Iowa City where Fred taught at Southeast and Northwest Junior High schools.
He built several houses while starting Iowa City Cabinet Shop, which later became Iowa City Cabinet and Hardwoods. Last fall he celebrated 60 years in business. His expertise was in custom cabinetry, and he used his talents well. He started making furniture at the age of 12; many pieces are still in the family. His legacy of woodworking is carried on today by his family and Bill Smith, a dedicated employee/friend of 44 years.
He and Bedonna were members of Lower Deer Creek Church when they moved to the Kalona area. Bedonna loved hospitality and greeting cards, and Fred carried on her memory by giving cards for birthdays and anniversaries and by entertaining people in their home even after her passing. 1 John 4:19 was their life goal, “We love because He first loved us.”
Fred learned to walk on a prosthetic leg at the age of 87. He enjoyed living at Pleasantview Home and continuing his ministry there. He passed away after complications with infection on August 14, 2026, at University of Iowa Hospital at the age of 89 years.
Fred is survived by three daughters: Karma (Joel) Brokaw of Kalona, Linda (Mike) Inlow of Moorpark, California, and Brenda (Tom) Mulhollum of Roberts, Wisconsin; 12 grandchildren: Justin (Ranee) Brokaw, Kidron (Kenton) Miller, Jeremy (Micaela) Brokaw, Jordan (Holly) Brokaw, Jackson (Mikayla) Brokaw, Keilah (Shelby) Graber, Kaylin (Christian) Oetken, Jennifer Inlow, Julie (Joey) Granatelli, Lindsey (Matt) Quinn, Megan (Ben) Hines, Michele (Ben) Johnson; 27 great-grandchildren: Luke, Tessa, Hudson, Ezra and Olive Brokaw; Mira, Mateo and Maylee Miller; Sutton, Leland and Pearson Brokaw; Charlotte and Madeline Brokaw; Anastasia, Elias Frederick and Uriah Brokaw; Valor, Judah and Barrett Graber; Jade, Joey and Jensen Granatelli; Ella and Kingston Quinn; Taelyn and Ryland Hines; his sister: Ermaleen Etter of Pennsylvania and brother: Ed Bachmann of Agency, Iowa; and brother-in-law: Dave Bertsche of Indiana.
He was preceded in death by his dearest wife: Bedonna; his parents; in-laws; and sister: Evie Bertsche.
