Frederick Cremer

Waynesville, NC, Frederick James Cremer, 67, passed away on September 20, 2012. Fred was born in Freeport, IL, and lived most of his life in Deerfield, IL, where he worked until moving to Waynesville in 2001. He was preceded in death by his father, Alfred James Cremer, his mother, Roberta O'Connor Cremer, sister, Barbara Cremer Greene, and his first wife, Joann Sleevar Cremer. Fred is a graduate of Aquin High School (1963), St John's University (Collegeville, MN, 1967), and holds a Master's Degree from Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL. At St. John's, he played on two national championship football teams under Coach John Gagliardi, the winningest coach in college football history. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 12th round of the 1967 NFL draft but decided to go into teaching instead. He began his teaching and coaching career in Lena, IL before moving to Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Lincolnshire, IL in 1970. During his years at Stevenson, he coached football, track and field, and golf in addition to teaching English. He retired in 2000. Fred was a respected teacher and coach who influenced the lives of many of his students and athletes. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Fred was a great storyteller with a passion for life. He leaves a legacy of hope and humor in the hearts of all whose lives he touched. Fred is survived by his wife, Sandra Fanning Tonnsen Cremer, a daughter, Sarah Cremer Bell, son-in-law Ian Stephen Bell, and grandchildren, Emily Charlotte and William James, as well as his uncle and aunt; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Fred's life will be honored at a wake Thursday, September 27, 6:00 pm, at Wells Funeral Home, Waynesville, NC and funeral services Friday, September 28, 11:00 am, at St. John's Catholic Church, Waynesville. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the MedWest Haywood Hospice & Palliative Care, 127 Sunset Ridge, Clyde, NC 28721 and the Little Star Foundation, 256 Rancho Milagro Way, Hesperus, Colorado 81326. (littlestar.org).

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