Alfred Peter Pendl, father, grandfather, husband, master pastry chef, friend and longtime resident of the Wood River Valley, passed away peacefully at home in Hailey, Idaho, on July 12, 2026, at the age of 86. In his final days, he was lovingly cared for by his daughters Barbara, Elizabeth, Martha, and Christina, together with compassionate hospice nurses and caregivers.

Fred was born on May 16, 1940 in Kitzbühel, Austria to Luise and Leo Pendl. His mother raised him and brother, Günther, in the absence of their father, who was listed missing in action in 1944 during World War II. They endured post war Austria with family, friendship, grace, and no shortage of boyhood mischief. At the age of six, Fred declared that he would become a Konditor, or pastry chef, and at fourteen, he began his apprenticeship under Kitzbühel’s Master Konditor, Wilfred Langer. Over the following decade, he mastered both the art and business of pastry making. He worked in Holland, Munich, Innsbruck, and London; he served mandatory conscription in the Austrian Armed Forces. He made lifelong friends everywhere.

In 1966, Fred and his wife, Edith, immigrated to the United States upon invitation to become the founding pastry chef of Poor Richard's Konditorei in Sun Valley, Idaho. Carrying just $45 and great optimism for the future, they boarded the Queen Mary in Southampton, England for New York City. From New York, they traveled to Chicago to select and approve all of the equipment needed for Poor Richard’s. They arrived via Twin Falls in Sun Valley on December 1, 1966.

At the helm of Poor Richard’s Konditorei, Fred’s European training, artistry, and dedication to excellence quickly earned him a loyal following. Elegant cream tortes, flaky apple strudel, Danish pastries, Gulaschsuppe, and Austrian cuisine fueled an early morning to après-sport environment in Sun Valley like no other.

Fred’s professional ethics were legendary. He began before dawn, routinely worked twelve-hour shifts, and baked continuously to ensure the freshest products. He took only two sick days over the twenty years of baking services he delivered to the Wood River Valley.

In 1979, after the Sun Valley Company declined to renew the Poor Richard’s Konditorei lease, Fred opened Pendl's Pastries in Ketchum. The bakery became a beloved, local gathering place where friendships grew, celebrations began, and incredible pastries continued to be available.

Fred cherished all that happened between the first cup of coffee to the last beer shared on the deck after work. He welcomed his daughters in the kitchen early mornings, after school, and to help out during lunch rushes. Fred’s skills as a Konditor were eclipsed only by his talent for genuine hospitality. Through thousands of confections, beautiful cakes, and everyday baked treats, Fred became an enduring part of the history and traditions of the Wood River Valley. Customers, employees, family, and friends basked in the joy and pride he openly shared.

After closing Pendl’s Pastries in 1989, Fred continued to share his love for community and camaraderie as a carpenter, a painter, at Ketchum’s Knob Hill Inn, at Premier Resorts, and as a traveling chef with the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation’s Nordic Ski Team.

Fred never sought accolades or attention. He was happiest sharing good food, a hearty laugh, and genuine conversation. Relaxation enjoyed with family, old friends, or someone he had just met suited him just fine. Fred had a gift for making everyone feel welcome. His kindness, modesty, and easygoing nature made him as approachable as he was respected.

In retirement, Fred hosted backyard barbecues, taught baking class, cheered favorite hockey teams, lunched at the Senior Connection - Hailey, and socialized with his Stammtisch Group. He also enjoyed gardening, hiking, fishing, and inventive, practical tinkering.

Fred will be remembered for his charm, modesty, and distinctively Austrian sense of humor. His neighbors have recognized him as a force who kept their community lively and together. Above all, he treasured his daughters and grandchildren, who were the greatest joys of his life.

Predeceased by his parents, Fred is survived by his former wife, Edith; his daughters, Barbara, Elizabeth, Martha, and Christina; their husbands and partners, Mike, Lee, Geoff, and Jordan; his beloved grandchildren, Cooper, Eloise, and Callahan; and his extended family in Austria.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Senior Connection - Hailey or The Hospice of the Wood River Valley in Fred’s honor are greatly appreciated.

A celebration of Fred's life will be announced at a later date.