Frederick E. Wehmeyer

1940 - 2021

FREDERICK E. WEHMEYER
Frederick E. Wehmeyer, 81, of DeKalb, Illinois, passed away Thursday, December 9, 2021, peacefully at home surrounded by his family after battling cancer for several months. He was born November 6, 1940, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the son of Vade O. and Eloise (Balcar) Wehmeyer. Fred was married to Mary (Elsesser) Wehmeyer for 61 years.
Fred grew up on the family farm near Mendota, Illinois and graduated from Mendota High School with the class of 1958. He attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa where he was active in Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity. He also attended Control Data Institute in Rockford, Illinois where he studied computer programming. He was employed by the Del Monte Corporation Farm Department in Mendota, Illinois, Rochelle, Illinois and Frankfort, Indiana. Fred was a computer programmer for DeKalb Ag Research/DeKalb Pfizer Genetics in the Hybrid Research Department in DeKalb, Illinois where he retired in 2003.
Fred was a member of First Lutheran Church, DeKalb, Illinois. He enjoyed the Experimental Aircraft Association when he maintained a pilot's license for many years. As a youth he was active in Explorer Scouts and enjoyed canoe trips to Northern Wisconsin. He was an Assistant Scout Master for DeKalb Troop 28. For several years he volunteered for the DeKalb County Sheriff's Auxiliary.
He had an interest in genealogy and traveled throughout New England tracing his ancestry. Fred enjoyed watching sports events, especially the Bears, Cubs, NASCAR and college football. Over the years he enjoyed traveling throughout the United States to scenic locations. After his retirement he especially loved the many trips to the Wisconsin family lake house, highlighted by the time spent there with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Mary, one son, Jeffrey (Rebecca) Wehmeyer, one daughter, Laura (Ronald Jr.) Bradt: three grandchildren: Jessica (Justin) Harper, Jacob (Sarah) Bradt, and Christopher (Gabriela Marques) Bradt; three great-grandchildren, Ava Harper, Emma Harper and Jacob Bradt Jr. and two step grandchildren: Kendyl Westlake and Dylan Hughes, one sister, Susan Ramsey and one sister-in-law Janet Wehmeyer.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Joe Wehmeyer and brother-in-law Dr. Timothy Ramsey.
The memorial service/celebration of life and burial will be held at a later date.
Cremation and arrangements are in care of Anderson Funeral Home, DeKalb, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Fred's memory to the First Lutheran Church, DeKalb, NM Kishwaukee Cancer Center, Promedica Hospice or a charity of donor's choice, in care of Anderson Funeral Home, Ltd., P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.
For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.