Fredrick George Devens, a longtime resident of Mercer Island, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009.

Mr. Devens was born in Mankato, Minn., in 1924. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in aeronautical engineering and received a Masters in Business Administration from City University in Bellevue, Wash.

He was a member of the United States Army Air Force, fought in World War II and was awarded a Bronze Star. He was also a member of the active reserves for the United States Air Force and retired as a major in 1984. He worked 40 years at Boeing as an aeronautical engineer and was involved in many important programs, including the Lunar Rover.

Mr. Devens and his wife, Rose Ann, moved to Mercer Island in 1959, where they raised their five daughters. Mr. Devens was extremely active in his church and community. He and his wife were founding parishioners of St. Monica Catholic Church. In the years before St. Monica was built, services were held in the old East Seattle School, now the Boys & Girls Club building, and later in Father Walsh’s house, the founding pastor. For years, Mr. Devens was among the volunteers who cooked for St. Monica’s Sunday breakfast, the annual salmon bakes, parish picnics and other events. When his wife, Rose Ann, died in 1991, after 40 years of marriage, he took over her hour of perpetual adoration at St. Monica every Thursday evening from midnight to 1 a.m.

Mr. Devens is survived by his five daughters and their families: Nora Ierien, of Mercer Island; Jane Brown, of Issaquah; Mary Frazier, of Mercer Island; Ann Stevens, of Carnation; and Bridget Rauvola, of Lafayette, Colo. He is also survived by four son-in-laws, 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Services have been held. Remembrances are suggested to your favorite charity in Mr. Devens’ honor.