Frederick Otto Leidel
December 03, 1916 - September 20, 2019
Obituary
MADISON - Frederick Otto Leidel, age 102, died on Friday, Sept. 20, 2019. He was born in Milwaukee on Dec. 3, 1916, to Alma and Otto Frederick Leidel. Fred grew up during the Great Depression, and, as a result of his father looking for work, he went to high schools in Wauwatosa, Janesville, and Oshkosh, finally graduating from Madison East High School in February of 1935.
As a result of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s recovery programs, and an undergraduate instructorship in engineering drawing, he was able to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in June 1940. Fred worked for the Hamilton Standard Propeller Division of United Aircraft Corporation during World War II, designing propeller blades for such aircrafts as the P-51 Mustang and the B-17 and B-29 bombers. After World War II, he worked for the University of Wisconsin-Madison as Professor of Engineering Drawing and Descriptive Geometry, and Associate Dean of Engineering-Freshmen. He won the Benjamin Smith Reynolds award and stipend for excellence in teaching in 1979. He retired as Dean Emeritus in 1982.
Fred became a Mason in 1944 and was Master of Hiram Lodge No. 50 in 1957. He was Master of Doric Lodge No. 356 in 1992. He joined Starlite Chapter No. 356, Order of the Eastern Star, and was Grand Warden in 1994-95. He was currently chaplain in both lodge and star.
Fred married Dorothy Elisabeth Mason in 1940. They had two children, James Michael and Linda Kathleen. Dorothy died of breast cancer in 1960. He then married Margarette Lerum in 1964. She had three sons, Dennis, Russell and James. Margarette died in 2007. With his wife Dorothy, he was active in Lakeview Moravian Church. With his wife Margarette, and up unto his death, he was active in Lake Edge Lutheran Church.
Fred is survived by his son, James (Alice) Leidel; daughter, Linda Trowbridge; stepson, Russell (Jeanne) Lerum; granddaughters, Sara Kunkel (Gary) and Stacy Leidel (Ross Edwards); step-granddaughters, Elyse Lerum (Yier Shi) and Carla Lerum; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Kunkel, Emily Kunkel, Eva Edwards and Will Edwards; step-great-grandsons, Treysen Shi and Myles Shi; stepdaughters-in-law, Sally Lerum (James) and Nancy Lerum (Dennis); and special friend, Jonie Fobes. He was preceded in death by his stepsons, Dennis and James Lerum; and brother, Donald Leidel.
A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2, 2019, followed by a Masonic ceremony at 6 p.m. Visitation will be held from 4:30 p.m. until the time of the memorial service on Monday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Mon Dec 2, 2019 @ 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Memorial Service
Mon Dec 2, 2019 @ 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Masonic Service
Mon Dec 2, 2019 @ 6:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
Memories
LW
Lori Williams
Other •
I will always remember Fred as one of the most interesting an active people I have ever met. He always had a great story to share, a humorous joy or concern. He supported Starlight very faithfully. We could always count on Fred to be at our meetings. He will be missed in so many ways.
JS
John Stofflet
Other •
So honored to have met "Grandpa Fred", and to have had the privilege of sharing his story. Peace to his family, and to the many Schenk students and staff who grew so attached to him over the years. https://bit.ly/2mmeGOK
BF
Beverly Flanigan
Other •
I met Fred many years ago as I worked out beside him almost daily at the UW Natatorium. I so admired him. He was there rain or shine, with or without broken bones or, later, a walker. Once he was absent for several weeks and I began to worry. Sure enough he showed up at " his machines" a few weeks later with his broken ankle wrapped but, he said, healing fine. He was 96 then. To me, he was a roll model for me to "keep on keeping on". My condolences to his family and to his former students and the students and staff at Schenck. Beverly Flanigan, Clinical Prof. Emerita, UW Madison
JH
Janet Hagen
Other •
Fred was an inspiration to so many and will be sorely missed in all the avenues of his busy, dedicated life. He was a blessing to all whose lives he touched. The image of him riding his tricycle around the Schenk neighborhood and his endearing smile will be fond memories of Fred. May you rest in peace, Fred!
LH
LaJeane Hettrick
Other •
Fred always seemed to have time to help others ( whether it was reading to the elementary students at Schenk, lectoring and greeting at church), wherever there was a need if Fred could fill it he did. He was a very present member of our faith community who led by example. May he rest in peace.
LH
LaJeane Hettrick
Other •
"This is my story. this is my song,praising my Savior all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. " These words from the hymn BLESSED ASSURANCE reflect my fondest remembrances of Freddy. He was devoted to his Lord and Savior as evidenced through his daily activities of praise... demonstrated by serving every chance he got whether it was in his faith community, his family,his neighborhood, the greater community of Madison or his years at the UW or his service to country.
I have had the benefit of witnessing Freddy's faith. He had plenty of reasons to take a rest and never did until the end. We should all hope to follow his example.
D'neece Hettrick ( LaJeane's daughter)