Fred J. Wrede, 92

Fred J. Wrede, 92, formerly of Aurora and Sandwich, passed away peacefully on Feb. 2, 2025.

Born on Aug. 13, 1932, in New Ulm, Minn., Fred moved with his family to Aurora, Ill., as a young child, where he would live for most of his life. Fred is survived by his devoted wife, Rosemary (née Worland), with whom he shared 66 years of love, laughter, and partnership. He is also survived by his three children, Carl (Jodi), Ann Primus (Doug), and Leo (Liz), as well as his nine grandchildren – Jackson, Luke, Tessa, Brock, Joseph, Abby, Ava, Jillian, and Emma – each of whom brought joy and pride to his life.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Sophie; his brother, Leroy;, and his sisters, Arlene and Ruth. Though Fred’s passing leaves a deep void, his spirit will live on in the memories of those who knew and loved him.

Fred met Rosemary in homeroom at East Aurora High School during their freshman year. What started as a simple classroom friendship blossomed into a deep, enduring love that lasted for more than six decades. After graduating from East Aurora in 1950, Fred pursued a degree at Northern Illinois University, graduating in 1954. Shortly after, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served for two years, including a year stationed in Iceland – a time he fondly recalled as one of the most interesting chapters of his life.

In 1957, Fred began a long and fulfilling career as a math teacher at Wheaton Community High School (which later became Wheaton Central and Wheaton-Warrenville South), where he dedicated 37.5 years to educating, mentoring, and shaping the lives of countless students. His passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom – Fred was a patient, caring, and engaged father, always present for his children’s milestones, offering wisdom, support, and encouragement along the way.

Outside of his professional life, Fred had a wide range of interests that reflected his love for the world around him. He was an avid sportsman, playing handball and racquetball into his 70s. He enjoyed fishing and camping, finding peace and joy in nature’s simplicity. He also had a deep passion for lapidary arts, fossil hunting, bird watching, and woodworking – hobbies that allowed him to explore his creativity while connecting with the world in a meaningful way. Those who knew Fred were touched by his generosity and selflessness. He was always ready to lend a hand, whether helping a neighbor, guiding a student, or offering a listening ear to a friend or family member.

Fred’s greatest gift was perhaps his ability to make people feel valued. He was a loving husband, a dedicated father, and a cherished grandfather whose kindness, humor, and wisdom will be deeply missed. His legacy lives on in the lessons he taught, the love he gave, and the countless lives he touched. Fred’s family and friends find comfort in knowing that he leaves behind a world that is brighter and richer for having had him in it.

Visitation took place at Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, 1211 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098 from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5. The funeral mass was held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb, 6 at St. Mary Church at 312 Lincoln Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098. Interment was private at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Aurora.

Memorials may be made in Fred’s name to: East Aurora Football Old Timers Association, c/o Stephen Kenyon, 47 N Royal Oaks Drive, Bristol, IL 60512 or the National Geographic Society at nationalgeographic.org.

For information call the funeral home at 815-338-1710 or visit slmcfh.com.