Fred Brogle

Fred J. Brogle, 91, passed away Tuesday, December 19, 2017, at Riverview Rehab and Care Center.

Fred was born Nov. 25, 1926 to Fred G. and Viola Brogle. He grew up in Lisle, Illinois and at the age of 17 he enlisted in the United States Navy, only by way of his dad’s signature. He served his country proudly on a warship as a pharmacy technician. Soon thereafter, his superior officer noticed his determination and good work and asked if he would consider serving on a submarine. His youth, enthusiasm, and size made him perfect for the job and Fred couldn’t resist. Away from home for more than two years, his mother wrote to the President of the United States to say she had not seen her son in two years. Fred was quickly granted a two week furlough.

It was back home in Lisle that he met and married the love of his life, Mary Ann Larson. They were happily married for 64 years until her passing on May 4, 2014 following a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Together they made their home in Lisle. Fred built the family home as a wedding present to Mary Ann. It was in this home they raised their two children. They were devout members of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. To provide for his family, Fred worked as a letter carrier for the Downers Grove Post Office. He also worked side jobs as a carpenter and brick layer.

Fred had a passion for the outdoors and nature and enjoyed hunting and fishing. It was through his many sporting trips that he found his joy in Wisconsin and knew he would settle their following retirement. Living in Wisconsin for more than thirty years, he was involved with the community and showed his concern for the environment by becoming a board member for the DNR. He also took a few hunting trips to Wyoming and Montana. It was through these trips that his name appears twice on the Boone and Crocket record book for having shot trophy size deer and antelope.

Fred and Mary Ann loved to entertain their family and friends by enjoying venison stew or venison burgers.  It would be at these parties he would pull out the 8 millimeter movie projector and show the movies of his hunting and fishing expeditions. Photography was one of his many hobbies, along with the handed down family business, the F & S Fly Shop. Fred’s dad had started the business many years ago by making flies for fishing, all done by hand. Fred continued making flies, but added rod and tackle repair. He later incorporated his love for guns by becoming a gun dealer, doing gun repair and shell reloading.

Fred is survived by a son, Fred (Dawn) Brogle of Eagle River, Wisconsin, a daughter, Mary (Keith) Berkhout of Sandwich, Illinois, a granddaughter, Michelle Jessen-Lysy, and a great granddaughter, Maya of Palatine, Illinois.

Mass of Christian Burial with Military Rites will be held at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 27, 2017, at St. Mary Catholic Church. Fr. Louis will officiate. Burial will be in Prairie Rapids Cemetery in the spring. The family will receive friends at the church Wedneday, Dec. 27th from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass at noon.