Fred Joseph Learman Sr., 80

Born: July 13, 1942 in Chicago

Died: Jan. 8, 2023 in Woodstock

Fred Learman Sr. passed peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Jan. 8, 2023. He was 80 years old.

He was born on July 13, 1942, to Joseph and Marie (Halter) Learman. The second of four children, Fred graduated from Main Township East High School before going on to work as a plumber for over 46 years.

On June 12, 1959, he met Kathleen Ann Buffington, in Mount Prospect, Ill. Fred and Kathy were married on April 4, 1964, having celebrated 58 years together last spring.

Fred was a proud member of the Plumbers Local 130, Woodstock Moose Lodge 1329, as well as the CAATS Car Club. An avid hobbyist, he enjoyed everything from cars, motorcycles, and snowmobiles to tools, woodworking, and antiques. He had a talent for finding treasure in a room full of junk. He loved taking his 1940 Ford hot rod to local car shows throughout the summer months and taking motorcycle trips with his wife.

After his retirement in 2005, Fred preferred to stay busy with his cabin in the north woods, seeing the country by car and motorcycle with his wife and his friends. He never passed up a garage sale or an antique shop, especially if there were tools. He was always looking for his next project.

Fred loved and was very proud of his family. He will be remembered as a man of character who valued family, loyalty, and hard work. 

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Marie; his brother, Joseph; and his beloved son, Jason.

Fred is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; his sons, Fred Jr. (Diane), Mike (Chris), and Steve; daughter-in-law, Candy; seven Grandchildren, Cayla (Zach), Michael (Lauren), Andrea, Amber (Peyton), Ben, Cameron, and Nichole; and six great-grandchildren with one on the way, Harrison Learman, Nora, Ally, and Nataleigh Nichol, and Andrew and Nicholas Sloat. He is also survived by sisters, Linda (Thomas) Kelly and Laurie (Jim) Pingitore, and a sister-in-law, Wendy Learman, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

Visitation will be held Jan. 12, 2023, Thursday, 4 to 7 p.m. at Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, 1211 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock.

Funeral Mass will be held January 13, 2023, Friday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church of Hartland 15012 St. Patrick Road, Woodstock, IL 60098.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association Inc. at ecaware.org

For information call the funeral home at 815-338-1710 or see the website at slmcfh.com.