Frederick John Krebs

After a valiant battle with kidney cancer, Frederick John Krebs passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025. Born in 1949 to Ruth Demmel Krebs Rigo and Norman Frederick Krebs in Youngstown, Ohio, Fred was calm, caring, and the eternal optimist. He will be remembered for his integrity, love of history, and wise counsel to many.

Fred was the beloved husband of Cathryn Stanley Krebs, a devoted father and grandfather, and a man who took immense pride in his family. His curiosity and love of exploration endured throughout his life, whether through photographing people and places, discovering new cultures and iconic landmarks throughout the world, satiating his desire to experience new ideas through reading, expanding his cooking skills, or perfecting his golf swing with church friends. Committed to church and community involvement, Fred served as a ruling elder and Clerk of Session at Providence Presbyterian Church (Fairfax, VA), where he was a member for over 40 years. He volunteered in support of numerous local community service projects, advocated for the Glebe View affordable housing initiative in Fairfax City, and participated in work trips to Webster Springs, West Virginia, and Tijuana, Mexico. Fred was dedicated to inspiring equality and inclusion and found great joy in supporting the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC, where he served on its Board of Directors (2016-2022).

Fred grew up in Canfield, OH, a small town that had a lasting impact on his future, setting the stage for his life’s journey. Blessed with great parents, three amazing brothers, Mark, Paul and Ken, and a home filled with love and laughter, Fred often commented, “we won the genetic lottery.” He maintained strong ties with his brothers throughout the years, meeting up for trips to the Final Four, golf outings, and Cleveland to cheer on the Browns and Guardians (Indians). He remained a loyal Cleveland fan to the end, despite frequent heartbreak.

Canfield was also where Fred met the love of his life, Cathryn. They married in 1978 and shared more than 47 years together. They built a life that included their two remarkable children, three precious grandchildren, a dear foster granddaughter, two foster children, many foreign exchange students (including Aki and Meerim), as well as countless memories that Fred cherished above all professional accolades or awards. Fred delighted in supporting his children’s academic, athletic, and professional pursuits.

Fred served for 20 years as President of the Association of Corporate Counsel (1991-2011), where under his leadership, he helped to solidify ACC as the premier bar association for in-house attorneys. During his tenure, ACC expanded its services, tripled its membership, and became a global association with 25,000 members in over 75 countries. Fred was with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as Assistant General Counsel (1975-1979) and as a lobbyist leading the Chamber’s Employee Relations Policy Center (1984-1991). Fred oversaw numerous matters while at the Chamber, including its initiatives related to the landmark civil rights law, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In 1990, he attended the ADA signing ceremony at the White House. He honed his advocacy, association management, and leadership skills with the McLean, VA law firm, Stephens & Krebs (1979-1984).

Professionally, Fred was a respected attorney, lobbyist, and association executive. In 2010, Corporate Secretary magazine presented Fred with its Lifetime Achievement Award for advancing Corporate Governance. In 2011, he received the Ally for Justice Award from the National LGBT Bar Association and the Career Achievement Award from the Washington Metropolitan Area Corporate Counsel Association. An industry mentor to many, Fred also served as a Senior Fellow and Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University Law Center.

Fred graduated from Allegheny College (Meadville, PA), with honors in history in 1972. He played on its 1968 League Champion football team that was later inducted into the Allegheny College Athletic Hall of Fame. In 1970-1971, Fred spent his Junior Year Abroad at the University of Manchester (England), which introduced him to a whole new world and ignited his passion for travel, English history, and all things related to the UK. Fred received his Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University Law School (Cleveland, OH) in 1975, where he was a member of the Law Review.

For over 40 years, travel with family and friends was central to Fred’s life. Traditions such as the “Lewis Mountain Gang,” camping trips to Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park and the “Krebs Boys & Wives” family outings live on in the photos and hearts of those who were there. Travel brought Fred immeasurable joy, having visited all seven continents and 55 countries. A gifted photographer, Fred loved to share his photographs with others.

Among all the places Fred had the good fortune to visit, the quirky, laid-back atmosphere and rich history of Key West captured his heart. In 2017, Fred and Cathryn began their annual tradition of spending first one month, which later stretched to two, in the Conch Republic, which he fondly referred to as his “happy place.”

Fred was predeceased by his parents, stepfather Michael A. Rigo, and grandparents, John and Margaret Demmel and Gustav Frederick Krebs and Pearl Krebs, and Gustav’s second wife, Bessie Krebs. He is survived by his wife, Cathryn Stanley Krebs; son Stephen Frederick Krebs of Washington, DC and daughter Sarah Elizabeth Krebs Smith (Kellen) of Wheaton, IL; grandchildren Hadley, Hudson and Hayden Smith; foster granddaughter Juliana Bufano (Garnet Valley, PA); brothers Mark Krebs (Mary Beth) of Maumee, Ohio, Paul Krebs (Marjori) of Albuquerque, NM and Ken Krebs (Jackie) of New Albany, Ohio; and twelve nephews and nieces.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 16 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm at Demaine Funeral Home in Fairfax, Virginia. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 17 at 2:00 pm at Providence Presbyterian Church in Fairfax, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fairfax Presbyterian Church’s Glebe View affordable housing project. Checks may be made payable to "Fairfax Presbyterian Church” or gifts may be made online. Please list “Fred Krebs, Glebe View Acct # 60207” in the check memo line or, if giving online, in the comments section on the payment information page.