Kummer

Charles “Fred” Frederick Kummer, 86, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, at Arrowhead Senior Living Community in Missouri.

He was born Dec. 13, 1935, in Butler, and was the eldest son of the late Wilbur and Alice (Raabe) Kummer.

On Dec. 29, 1956, he was united in marriage with Joyce (Milsom) Kummer, the love of his life, who preceded him in death in 2016. They knew each other from elementary school age and began dating in high school.

In raising a family over their 60 years together, Fred embodied all the best qualities of fatherhood — patience, integrity, selflessness and wisdom. He was the “best of teachers” in the practice of the Catholic faith. Children felt at ease with him immediately because he was a man in whom they could trust and depend, and so it was for all who met Fred.

He was a well-known figure in Jefferson City, and very much enjoyed chat and camaraderie, whether in a casual encounter at the grocery store or in lengthy meetings of consequence.

Fred will be remembered for his cheerful greetings and willingness to help, always with a sense of fun. Fred was more than happy to be in the dunking pool for fundraising, dye his beard green for St. Patrick’s Day, don his singing Christmas tie, and proudly wear his Pittsburgh Steelers apparel.

Throughout his life, Fred was the most loyal of friends. He maintained high school links, even attending the 68th Class Reunion last September, and valued his relationships with ABB colleagues, several of them meeting monthly for breakfast and enjoying poker nights.

Fred was an upstanding man and an outstanding husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and was dearly loved. His family, friends and colleagues will miss him greatly.

His was a life formed through diligence and commitment. In 1953, Fred graduated from Butler High School in the first honor group and was recipient of the Danforth Memorial Award for Scholarship and Leadership. President of the Senior Class he also received the VFW award, was elected Optimist Boy of the Month and was named most versatile member of his class and a “Today’s Senior.” Fred participated in numerable sports, but was most noted as varsity quarterback for the Butler Tornado and for intramural basketball. A talented singer, Fred was a member of the A Cappella choir and of the Symphonium Music Club.

Following high school, Fred entered Michigan State University with a ROTC scholarship, completing his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering in 1957.

For a year, Fred was employed as an industrial engineer for Pittsburgh Plate Glass and completed his USAF Communications Officer School. Three of his 4½ years in the U.S. Air Force were spent as Base Communications Maintenance Officer at Itazuke Air Force Base, Japan, responsible for all radio, radar, teletype and telephone equipment.

Fred joined Westinghouse (later ABB) in 1962 on the graduate student program and from 1963 was based in Sharon, Pa. When a new Westinghouse plant opened in Jefferson City, Fred and his family relocated in 1971. From 1979, Fred worked as human resources (HR) development manager and remained in HR for the rest of his career. After several posts in Tennessee, Indiana and North Carolina, Fred and Joyce returned to Jefferson City to reunite with family and friends in 1994.

They were members of the Cathedral of St. Joseph, and Fred served on many parish committees. He became a voluntary county ombudsman based at Villa Marie Skilled Nursing Facility, Jefferson City, and for over 20 years, visited and supported residents. Many young people knew Fred through the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). In 1984, Fred received the Silver Beaver Award, Boy Scouting’s highest council-level distinguished service award for an adult scouter, in recognition of his service to scouting at every level.

Fred is survived by six children, Carol Kelsall (Wilf) of Cambridge, England, Fred Kummer III (Lizette) of Huntsville, Ala., Dianna Steiger (Dave) of Jefferson City, Mo., Jennifer Boyce of San Francisco, Calif., Tom Kummer (Vicki) of Jefferson City, Mo., and Steve Kummer (Gloria) of Jefferson City, Mo.; three siblings, Ronnie Kummer (Jeanne), Jack Kummer and Delores Bowser, all of Butler; 20 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.

KUMMER — A Mass of Christian burial for Charles “Fred” Frederick Kummer, who died Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, was celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, at St. Peter Catholic Church, Jefferson City, with Monsignor Robert A. Kurwicki officiating.

Entombment followed at Resurrection Cemetery Mausoleum with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Helias Foundation; or Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD FUNERAL DIRECTORS, 2613 W. Main St., Jefferson City, Mo.

Visit www.millardfamilychapels.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.