Fred C. Nehren Jr.

Fred C. Nehren Jr. was humble about all accomplishments in his life. He wouldn't even mention he was in the navy and when it was brought up he acted as if it was something he was actually embarrassed of. My wife Ivy and I accompanied him to his last high school reunion a couple of years back and were surprised that every living attendy had voluntarily served. They had all graduated during the time of the draft. To not sign up and get a position you asked for, usually meant being drafted and becoming a grunt. What Fred wouldn't tell us was he graduated top in his class in nearly all training. No awards given, but, several letters of commendation remain in his official record. Commendations such as: highest scholastic / Antisubmarine Warfare Course, highest scholastic average of your class /Aviation Electronics Technician School and Commendation for substantial contributions in earning Patrol Squadron THIRTY-ONE the CNO Aviation Safety Award for the United States Navy fiscal year 1964. Even when I told him of my decision to join the military he asked me to reconsider. He never explained even tho I directly asked why he didn't care for the military so I still don't know if it was a peace mentality or just that it stoled away his best years. I will never know. Fred C. Nehren III

On the wall in the living room is a plaque. It reads “Lions – Kentucky Fried Chicken WING-A-THON Fred C. Nehren Jr. MOST WINGS EATEN IN 15 MINUTES Saturday May 2nd 1981” I remember this achievement the most because after he won, it was like a year before we had KFC again. Even at 82yrs old Dad still “got his moneys worth” at a buffet, including KFC's. Fred C. Nehren III

Fred C. Nehren Jr. worked as craftsman used to, at the same job for most of their career. Of course the Navy took him right out of high school. Then he followed in his fathers footsteps applying to Dept. of Transportation. He wasn't hired right away and got his teaching certificate and taught History. I asked him about it and in his normal evasive way said “It could be a fulfilling career, but, you can't support a family doing it.” hence the 22 years in Illinois DoT. He didn't get the job he originally applied for. He finally took an offer for a Design Technician. Seven years later he took a promotion to Construction Technician that he said could be miserable but the most proud work he did in his life. In a supervisory roll he had the power to stop fatal errors. He noticed and had corrected several contractor shortcuts and construction errors. He said the best job he ever accomplished was standing up to a contractor on a bridge abutment that was unsafely off code, even tho the contractor was in his face screaming it would be fine. This mentality of doing right and saving lives stuck with him as he admitted that working lots of overtime wasn't because we needed the money as much as the overtime put him back into this position he was proud of during his desk jockey days. Three years into the “miserable” job he took a promotion to Plats and Plans Technician. The job he would remain at for the rest of his career. Once his wife Sandra was upset and I asked her what about. She said dad had turned down a promotion at work and accused him of having no drive. I asked dad about it and he said “She doesn't understand... It's politics.” but, when we discussed it in later years he hinted that the position would have taken him out of a position where he could do good for people and put him in a more political roll. Fred had planned on working after her retired. He strived hard to become surveyor #2908 and with his CADD knowledge had a great resume. In 1994 he was President of the Illinois Surveyor Association. His body didn't agree with his plan and a couple of years into working he said “Getting in and out of trucks just became to difficult to accomplish.” His Presidential plaque hung over him as he passed while sleeping in his bedroom. Fred C. Nehren III

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Fred Carlos Nehren Jr, 82, died on September 4, 2020 at home in Clearwater Florida, surrounded by family. He was born May 15, 1938, the son of Fred C. and Lura M. (Trevathan) Nehren.

Fred attended Effingham High School, then Eastern Illinois University. Following graduation he married Sandra Eitel and they moved to San Diego, CA where he served with the U.S. Navy for four years. He and Sandra then settled in Kansas, IL where he pursued a career in Civil Engineering working for the Illinois State Hwy Dept. in Paris, IL until retirement.

Fred was a loyal member of the American Legion and the Kansas Lions Club for many years, where enjoyed serving in the annual Fish Fry and charity auction. Fred had a passion for playing cards and was an expert at Euchre and Canasta. He was known for his dry wit and his love of science fiction, online multiplayer computer games, Star Trek, Monty Python and for making spaghetti every week.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Sandra (Eitel) Nehren, his sister, Norna (Sharp) Nehren, an infant daughter, Esther Nehren and infant son, John Nehren. Surviving are his daughter, Norma Jean Nehren in New Zealand, his sons, Fred Carlos Nehren, III and James Edward Nehren, in Clearwater FL; five grandchildren, Melissa Smith, Blayton Nelson, Lura NehrenSmith, Harmonie Nehren and Aiden Nehren.

Funeral arrangements are to be held Thursday, September 10th with Sylvan Abby Funeral Home, 2853 Sunset Point Rd., Clearwater, FL. Interment will be at Sylvan Abby Cemetery along side his parents and sister. Due to Covid 19, a live virtual visitation will be held at 10am, followed by a graveside placement at 12 noon. The service may be viewed at centralbaymarket.com. The service password is Fred9102. The virtual room will open 15 minutes prior to the scheduled service start time. Please note that the start of the live webcast will begin when the actual service begins.