Fred William F. Pommerehn Obituary (1941

Beloved and cherished son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend has joined his departed loved ones in Heaven. "Fred" was born on February 27, 1941, to William and Doris Pommerehn of Madison, Indiana. Fred was raised to age 6 in Madison. In 1947, he moved with his parents and sister Linda to the Dominican Republic, West Indies. His father, Bill, worked for the United States Sugar Corporation as a supervisor until 1953. The young family then returned to Madison where Fred's brother Thom was born. Fred graduated from North Madison High School in 1959. He then attended David Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. Fred joined the US Army in 1962. Because of his fluency in Spanish, the U.S. Army stationed him in the U.S. Army Security Agency at Fort Devens, Massachusetts in 1962. There, he met his future wife of 60 years, Diane. In August of 1963, Fred and Diane married and shortly after moved stations to Panama City, Panama. While there, the riots of 1964 forced Diane to return to the States for one year. During this separation period, William Fredrick Jr. was born. Diane and Baby Freddie were able to rejoin Fred in Panama on December 5, 1964. The reunited family stayed there until Fred's tour ended. Then they returned to Madison for about 2 years. Fred was then hired by the National Security Agency at Fort Meade, Maryland. In 1967, he was assigned to his first overseas tour in Harrogate (Yorkshire), England. His daughter Pamela was born in June of that year. In 1971, his son John was also born in England. While in England, Fred learned to operate gliders and discovered his love of flying. In 1971, the family returned to the USA and purchased their first home on Brunswick Lane in Levittown, Bowie, Maryland. A third son, David, was born in 1973. Fred served as a deacon at Belair Baptist Church, Bowie, MD for 14 years. The family remained on Brunswick Lane until 1985 when Fred accepted a supervisory position on a second overseas tour to Bad Aibling, Germany. While there, the young family was blessed with traveling to Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Holland, France, England and of course, every inch of Germany. They enjoyed volksmarching and learning to dance German style. Halfway through their tour, their eldest son Freddie graduated from a stateside college and joined the family in Germany. In 1997, the family returned to Brunswick Lane minus Fred Jr. He never left Germany and is still there 35 years later. Throughout Fred's career, he worked for NSA where he received many merits for his outstanding achievements. He retired after 30 years of service. He was only retired briefly when he returned to NSA for two more years following the events of 9/11. Fred had many hobbies. He loved biking and went on many Century Rides. He continued his passion for flying on glider planes at Deep Creek, MD. Then, Fred mastered piloting small engine planes. He later, as a passenger, enjoyed flying with his granddaughter Kim as pilot. He taught himself to play many instruments throughout his lifetime, including the mandolin, banjo, guitar, and flute. He loved building model boats and enjoying many NSA outings with family and friends. In 2001, Fred and Diane retired to their favorite vacation spot, Fenwick Island, Delaware. While there, Fred learned to sail everything that floated, starting with kayaks, then a Sunfish, and eventually his treasure: a 28-foot sailboat called the "Mildred C." He went sailing daily, and sometimes twice daily. He enjoyed having a large beach house with a dock for the Mildred C. There were lots and lots of beach time and visits from family and friends. He especially enjoyed having his children and grandchildren to enjoy those times with. After 18 years at Fenwick Island, Fred and Diane returned to Bowie to be closer to the family. For the next 5 years, they were fine, and Fred enjoyed continuing his hobbies. He became interested in his ancestors and did a lot of research on them. In 2022, Fred was diagnosed with a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the brain. After one year of chemotherapy, his cancer was in remission, and he was much himself for a while. Many more happy memories were made during that precious time. In 2024, Fred's tumor returned, and he underwent radiation treatment. He was himself again for about a month. During that time, he and Diane moved to an assisted living home and enjoyed visits from his siblings, family, and friends. Fred lost his battle with cancer on March 15, 2024. Fred is survived by his wife of 60 years, Diane, who was constantly by his side throughout his life and illness. He is also survived by his children: Fred Jr., Pamela, John, and David, 7 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, his sister Linda, his brother Thom, and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins. Fred was never in severe pain. He was very brave throughout his illness and passed peacefully in his sleep with Diane by his side. He was never without the love and respect he so deserved. Love to Fred's siblings for all their support always, but especially during Fred's last days. A special thanks and love to all of Fred and Diane's lifelong friends who shared their concern and prayers throughout Fred's struggle. Many thanks go to Fred and Diane's beautiful family for all their help and love. They are and always will be Fred and Diane's entire world. God bless them all. Fred is now a young and healthy soul in Heaven. We know he is enjoying getting to meet all those ancestors whom he researched, rejoining beloved family and pets, and we hope that he gets some wings to fly around with, watching over us all. A Celebration of Life will be held for Fred in the Mother's Garden at Down's Park (8311 John Downs Loop, Pasadena, MD 21122), on Saturday, March 30th at 1pm. Reception to follow in the Chesapeake Room. Please RSVP to Pam at cpked.westbrook@gmail.com before March 23rd. To send a flower arrangement in memory of Fred William F. Pommerehn, please click here to visit our sympathy store.