Fred E. Doepke was born and raised in the small Upper Peninsula town of Gould City, Michigan. After receiving a BS degree from Lake Superior State University and a second BS degree and an MS degree from Michigan State University, he moved to Florida in 1982 to pursue an engineering career with the U.S. Navy. While at MSU he met and married Jolene Lancour, who has since been his closest friend and cherished companion. Fred and Jolene currently reside in Panama City Beach, Florida, home of the "World's Most Beautiful Beaches."