Fred H. "Buster" Elmgren Sr.

Fred H. "Buster" Elmgren, Sr., 85, passed away on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at Savannah Hospice after a short illness. Mr. Elmgren was born January 14, 1919 in Philadelphia, PA., and came to Savannah with his family 2 years later. He was raised in Thunderbolt and lived most of his adult life on the Isle of Hope where he was very involved in community activities. Among his many involvements were serving as President of both the Isle of Hope Community Club and the Isle of Hope Athletic Club. He was a founding member of the Isle of Hope Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Elmgren served his country as a member of the US Army during WW II. He also worked at Southeastern Shipyard where ships were built for the war effort. He worked most of his career at Savannah Machine & Foundry where he retired as Maintenance Foreman after more than 45 years of employment. Mr. Elmgren was a Past President of the Savannah Volunteer Guards, and a member of the Savannah Quarterback Club and The St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee. Fred was dedicated to his Catholic faith and served his church in many ways. He was active in parish work at Our Lady of Good Hope Chapel on the Isle of Hope and later served St. James Parish in many ways, including a term as President of the Men's Club. He was most active as a Knight of Columbus. He was Grand Knight of Council 5588 and served in District and State positions including Georgia State Deputy. He was a delegate to the Supreme Convention on many occasions. He was most visible in the Catholic community while serving as Commander of the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Color & Honor Guards. In that capacity he led his fellow knights at wake services, flag presentations and parades. Fred is known to thousands of people all over the world as "The Angel Man". For many years he always carried a pocket full of Guardian Angel pins, which he gave to all he met wherever he went. At last count he had distributed over 34,000. "Sir Fred Elmgren KHS" was appointed a Papal Knight by Pope John Paul II as a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher in recognition of service to his church. His wife Mary Roberts Elmgren, a son Horace Frej and daughter, Mary Beth predeceased Mr. Elmgren. He is survived by sons and wives Fred H. Elmgren, Jr and Beth, W. Charles Elmgren and Brenda; six grandchildren, Donna Pope, Paula Hart and Leigh, Ann Elmgren, Fred "Butch" Elmgren, III, Stephen Elmgren, Chris Elmgren and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by twin sister, Elizabeth Joyner and many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian burial will be said at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 18, 2004 at The Cathedral Of St. John The Baptist. Burial: Catholic Cemetery. Remembrances to Hospice Savannah, Inc., Benedictine, St. Vincents or charity of choice. Savannah Morning News, December 18, 2004 Please sign our Obituary Guestbook at www.savannahnow.com