Fred R Rehmeier

Fred R. Rehmeier was born on September 11, 1928 in Omaha, Nebraska and along with his “twin” brother Frank born on September 17, 1928 was adopted by Simon and Marie (Henriksen) Rehmeier. He grew up in Alvo, Nebraska where he attended grade school before moving back to Omaha where he attended Omaha Central High School. As a young boy, Fred enjoyed baseball and football and spent many hours leading his brother into mischief. During his senior year, Fred enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. Fred served the Marine Corp in many positions including drill instructor at Marine Corp Recruit Depot, San Diego, California for two years and was an original crew member of the USS Kearsarge with the privilege of being a “plank owner”. He was involved in missions in the Mediterranean Sea and in occupied China to retrieve Japanese POW’s. While in the Marines, Fred completed high school and attended college courses. He was released from active duty in 1949 and joined the Marine Reserve contingent at Fort Omaha and remained in the reserves until 1968 ending his tenure as a staff sergeant. Fred married Patricia Harral on August 5, 1950 at St. Cecilia Cathedral in Omaha, Nebraska and to this union five sons were born: Charlie, Mick, Terry, Dennis and Patrick. Fred and Patricia raised their family in San Diego, California, Omaha, Nebraska, Wichita, Kansas and back to Omaha. After his active duty, Fred headed into the private sector, first in the insurance industry with New York Life and Central National Insurance and finally for PIE as a dispatcher in the trucking industry, retiring in 1982. Fred was truly a giving man, with volunteer and involvement foremost in his vocabulary. He was active in scouts, coaching Legion Baseball, American Legion, MCL and V.F.W. Fred enjoyed dancing, dinner out, and time with his grandchildren because he was a “fishing pro”. He was most happy when he and Pat could gather their family together. Fred was a member of American Legion Post #1 where he served as Commander in 2005, V.F.W., Forty and Eight and Marine Corp League where he served as Vice Commander. He was honored as American Legion Volunteer of the Year, Marine of the Year in 2000, given a key to the City of Omaha by Mayor Mike Boyle and honored at Bergan Mercy Hospital for over 18,000 volunteer hours. Fred’s strength and resolve has shown throughout his life but none more obvious than in 1981 when he had what was at the time a rare triple bypass surgery. Doctors told him his time would be short but he adopted a cardiac rehab regimen that would be responsible for his longevity. Again in 1996 his fortitude helped carry the family through a difficult stretch when granddaughter Helen died in a car accident and wife Pat lost her battle with cancer within eight weeks. In 2002, son Mick passed away in Eugene, Oregon. Again Fred bolstered the family to weather this sad time. For the past few years, Fred has been a constant companion of his sister-in-law Beverly Harral. She was married to Pat’s brother Joe who passed away several years ago. They enjoyed dancing at the American Legion and travelling. Since everyone knew each other the two families blended well. Fred passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2008 at the Life Care Center of Elkhorn in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 79 years, 8 months and 27 days with his family by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents Simon and Marie, wife Patricia, Son Mick and granddaughter Helen. Fred is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law Charlie and Shelly of Waterloo, Nebraska, Terry and Sally of Omaha, Nebraska, Dennis and Suzanne of Sandia Park, New Mexico and Patrick and Susan of Denver, Colorado; ten grandchildren Carol, Aimee, Zach, Ethan, Dalen, Asumpta, Julianna, Colin, Catherine and Nicholas; two great grandchildren Alexis and Kaili; brother and sister-in-law Frank and Beverly of Omaha, Nebraska and the person we are most grateful for the care and companionship to Fred, our Aunt Beverly Harral of Ralston, Nebraska; many nieces and nephews.

Fred R Rehmeier

September 11, 1928 - June 7, 2008