Fred was born on July 27, 1943 to Karl and Marybelle Zeise in Needham, Massachusetts where he spent his formative years. He went on to attend college at MIT and CAL Berkeley and later became an advanced systems computer design engineer at several high tech companies: Date Systems Design, OptiComp, Maxtor, SUN, to name a few. Throughout his career, he was known for his hard work, dedication, and passion for teaching others.

But more than anything, Fred was a devoted father to his son, Scott Eric Zeise, and stepdaughter, Sara Jeanne Ellsworth. He loved spending time with his children, buying Sara a horse, and was very involved with Boy Scouts with Scott. He was always there to offer technical solutions, and to stretch their imaginations.

In his free time, Fred enjoyed Green Energy lectures at Stanford and was always eager to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with others. He was an active member of his community, volunteering for the local CERT team, and the Green Energy Committee at UUCPA.

Some memories from old friends:

Carolyn Estey

Fred was a wonderful tour guide, driver, backpacker, camper, campfire cook, raft paddler, and dog minder of Gandalf on our car trip from Berkeley to Cornell in June 1973.

Henry Manayan

I still have fond memories of our younger days together as I have always enjoyed being next-door neighbors. I was always impressed with Fred’s intelligence, his appreciation for the outdoors, and his insatiable curiosity for life’s details. I pray that those warm memories help to bring you some comfort at this difficult time. He will be deeply missed. I have been blessed to know you & your family.

Ramon Rivera

I have so many wonderful childhood memories with him. You guys were my second family.

Liza Loop

Fred and his gung ho personality will live on in our memories even though his earthly toil is over. His footsteps will ring on the Ridge and in the river bank in Maine. We can still laugh over the succession of friendly puppies, the overflowing piles of books, and his ever-present willingness to lend a helping hand. Thanks, Ann, for being his helpmate, partner, spouse, and mother of his son. Thanks, Scott, for bringing him pride and delight. My friend since 1965, Fred was lucky to have you two in his long life.

Fred is survived by his loving wife, Ann Alden Zeise, his child, son Scott Eric Zeise, and stepdaughter, Sara Jeanne Dodge Ellsworth, and his grandchild, Sara’s son Gavin Ellsworth. He is also survived by his brothers, Eric Zeise and Karl Zeise, their spouses and children, and his step-siblings, Timothy, Cynthia and Bruce Roberts. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 2PM, for family and friends of Fred at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto, 505 East Charleston Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306.

In lieu of flowers, please donate what you can to the Sempervirens Fund to help save local redwood forests.

https://sempervirens.org/give-in-honor