Frederick A. Walters, Sr

Frederick A. Walters, Sr. was a hardworking and loyal member of the Chicago community for most of his life. He cared deeply for his family and showed it by providing faithfully for them and sharing much love and laughter. Fred was a man who cared for everyone he knew, and he expressed this care through his generosity and willingness to always lend a helping hand.

1928 represented a brief period of peace and prosperity for the United States. After fighting World War I and before the stock market crash that would lead to the Great Depression, Americans celebrated medical advances that led to the discovery of penicillin, and technological developments that brought the advent of the television. In Chicago, Illinois, Frederick and Cora May (Arseneau) Walters were celebrating the birth of their son, Frederick, on December 23, 1928.

Fred grew up and lived in the Chicago area for most of his life. He received his education in the area schools, and after high school, he followed the same patriotic calling of other young men of the time, enlisting in the U.S. Army. He proudly served his country in the Infantry Patrol during the Korean War. Once back stateside and out of the service, Fred learned the trade of a pipefitter and worked for the Local 587. Always a hard worker, he was prompt to work every day, and went wherever there was a job to be done.

In 1955, Fred married his first wife, Charlotte Crowley, and they had four wonderful children together: Kelly, Peter, Tracy and Charlotte. Fred was a devoted and caring father who would do anything for his children. Time together as a family was important and they enjoyed many great vacations over the years. His children particularly remembered the trip to the Grand Canyon, not only because of the spectacular views, but also the cramped living quarters. They towed along their camper which had to fit 2 dogs, 2 cats, their grandmother, great aunt plus their family of 6. It definitely left indelible memories with everyone! Sadly, Fred lost his beloved wife Charlotte in 1996, after 41 years of marriage.

As was apparent from his easygoing demeanor, Fred enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved to sleep (sometimes at the most unfitting times), and enjoyed watching cartoons, particularly Tom and Jerry, in his boxers. He stayed active bowling on a Friday night league for 40 years, and kept up with the arts going to plays performed by the Kankakee Valley Theater. Fred was a very generous man who never thought twice about helping where there was a need. Yet, he was quite frugal-minded too. He would drive all the way to Indiana to buy cheaper cigarettes and save a buck.

For a while, Fred was Santa at the local mall, and it was here that he met his second wife, Norma Jean Genotte. The two were happily married on the same day that Fred proposed – Together, Fred and Norma Jean enjoyed traveling and took a couple of relaxing cruises.

Family and friends will remember Fred not for the things he did, but for the reason he did them. His presence in the world will be greatly missed, but the memories he created with his family and friends will always be remembered.

Frederick A. Walters, 81, of Bourbonnais, IL passed away on Wednesday, October 13, 2010, at the Bradley Royale Nursing Home in Bradley. He is survived by his wife, Norma Jean of Bourbonnais; three children: Kelly Graham (Dale) of Park Forest, Peter Walters (Cathy) of Barrington, Tracy Stake (Richard) of Orland Park; step daughters: Michelle Humphrey of Kankakee, Paula Kravat of Bradley and Augusta Goyette (Wayne) of Bourbonnais; step son, Leon Genotte (Carole) of Bourbonnais; 10 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild; 9 step grandchildren and 3 step great grandchildren; son in law, Kevin Gerrish (Linda) of Oak Lawn; foster brother, Jerry Dicks (Christine); and 2 sisters: Ida Bergmark (Dick) of Mendota and Barbara Stoffle (George) of Plainfield. Mr. Walters is preceded in death by his first wife, Charlotte; his parents and a daughter, Charlotte Gerrish.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 16, at 1:00 p.m. at the Bourbonnais Chapel of Schreffler Funeral Homes. Deacon Patrick Skelly will officiate. A time for friends and family to gather will be held on Saturday, October 16, from 11:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. service. Please visit Fred's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo or sign his online guest book. Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.