Fredric McVay

1950 - 2026

Fredric McVay obituary, 1950-2026

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BORN

1950

DIED

2026

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Nebraska Wesleyan University

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Lincoln Family Funeral Care - Lincoln

5849 Fremont St

Lincoln, Nebraska

Fredric McVay Obituary

Fredric McVay

November 14, 1950 - October 14, 2026

Fredric Lee McVay, 75, of Lincoln, Neb., passed away on October 14, 2026 with his wife Judy by his side. Fred was born in David City, Neb., on Nov. 14, 1950 to John and Lila McVay. He graduated from David City High School in 1969, where he participated in all sports and music, and as a Boy Scout attained the rank of Eagle Scout. During his high school years, Fred was a lifeguard and swimming instructor at the David City pool, where he taught literally hundreds of Butler County kids to swim. After attending Nebraska Wesleyan University, he and his dad purchased The Boston Studio in David City, and he took many of those same kids' graduation and wedding portraits. Fred estimated that he took 80-90 wedding photos over the years. (Much of The Boston Studio original archive material, dating back to 1893, was eventually obtained by the David City Area Foundation and became a part of BUTLER COUNTY The Boston Studio Collection, available in paperback.) Later, Fred worked as lead portrait photographer for The Photo Shoppe in Lincoln, taking many more graduation and family portraits. He did some freelance photography, specializing in aerial and action photography, and also enjoyed judging the photography competition at the Nebraska State Fair. But being a very humble guy, he never had a portrait taken of himself!

On November 1, 1986, Fred married Judith Ann Day, and together they became enthusiastic supporters of their nieces and nephews, attending countless school events, holidays and backyard picnics. A specialty of Fred's was playing Santa Claus, initially as a Christmas season guest at McVay's Clothing in David City, and later for a large circle of Lincoln friends. On Christmas Eve, Santa and Mrs. Claus made timely and boisterous entrances to his brother and sister-in-law's house to distribute gifts to their children. Even their dogs were excited to see Santa!

Fred was an auto racing enthusiast who always enjoyed NASCAR, Sprint, and Indy car racing. The most thrilling experiences for Fred were the several times he spent on the Indy 500 infield behind his camera. Perhaps his passion was piqued after driving a hobby stock car in several races at the Butler County fairground racetrack in 1969 before blowing its engine. He was the official photographer for several years for the Sandhills Open Road Challenge near Arnold, Neb., and the announcer at the I-80 Speedway near Greenwood, Neb. Fred's artist's eye and love of nature's beauty, along with several trips to Copper Harbor, Mich., inspired his most loved hobby of collecting, cutting and polishing rocks from a wide variety of areas around the world. He loved discussing rocks and giving them away to friends and family and donated much of his collection to Madonna Rehabilitation Center to give to kids while completing their thera.

When wife Judy started beekeeping, Fred became a cracker jack bee handler which included administering apitherapy to Judy's arthritic knees.

Fred is survived by his beloved wife, Judy; brother and wife, Jack and Jane McVay of Lincoln; brother and wife, Dave and Sue McVay of Red Wing, Minn.; brother-in-law and wife, David and Margit Day of Boxford, Mass., as well as many much loved nieces and nephews. His family would like to express their deep gratitude to St. Croix Hospice team members for their sincere compassion and outstanding professionalism. Additionally, they would like to thank all the sweet friends and neighbors who gave so generously of their love and support during Fred's illness.

Memorials may be made to Lincoln Gem and Mineral Club, P.O. Box 5342, Lincoln, NE 68505, and condolences to Lincoln Family Funeral Care @LINCOLNFFC.COM. A private family celebration will be held on Kabekona Bay of Leech Lake, Walker, MN.

Lincoln Family Funeral Care

5849 Fremont Street

Lincoln, NE 68507

(402) 464 - 6400

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Published by Lincoln Journal Star from Oct. 21 to Oct. 25, 2026.