Fred Delmar Brummel, of Chesterfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2024, at the age of 94. A Memorial celebration of Fred’s life will take place at the Friendship Village Chapel, 15201 Olive Blvd., Chesterfield, MO, 63017, on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. The service will honor the remarkable man he was and the countless lives he touched.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and laughter. If you were fortunate enough to experience one of his legendary pranks, thoughtful birthday cards with money or ice cream gift certificates, charitable contributions, wise advice, heartfelt prayers, cheers for his beloved Cardinal baseball team, or hear his infectious chuckle over a joke, you knew the depth of his generosity and compassion.
Fred lived a life overflowing with blessings, a sentiment he often shared with his loved ones. He grew up on a farm near Ottley, Iowa, raised by his devoted parents, Walter and Alida Brummel. His early education took place in a one-room schoolhouse at Oak Grove School, a humble beginning that instilled in him a lifelong passion for learning. After earning a BA in History and a minor in English from the University of Iowa, Fred remained a proud Hawkeye and never missed cheering for his beloved football team. He then earned his MA in counseling and school administration from the University of Colorado.
Fred dedicated much of his career to shaping young minds as a history teacher at Affton High School. His influence extended beyond the classroom as he became the head of the guidance department and the principal of the school’s summer programs. He cherished his connections with students, colleagues, and fellow educators, especially the enduring bonds he maintained with members of the Affton Class of 1961, a reunion he loved attending through his 80s.
Fred was blessed with two marriages and a family that brought him immense joy. He shared a deep love with his late wife, Marlene Houghland Brummel, who was also an educator and his soulmate. Together, they built a life rich in love of God and shared values.
Fred is survived by his children: daughter Melissa (Brummel) Stephan, son Robert Brummel, and stepdaughter Cia (Houghland) Verseman, who was a daughter in every way that mattered. His stepson, Paul Houghland, III, predeceased him.
Fred also embraced his role as a proud grandfather to Christine, Melanie, Cierra, Christy, Matt, Stasi, Joey, Steffani, Leslie, and a great-grandfather to 25 adorable great-grandchildren. His family was the cornerstone of his happiness, and he delighted in their achievements and lives.
In his later years, Fred thrived at Friendship Village, where he became a beloved community member and a skilled pool champion. His companionship with Annetta McAninch added warmth and joy to his final chapter.
A true gentleman, Fred’s legacy is one of kindness, resilience, and unwavering faith in the goodness of life. As he often reassured his children, “It will all work out in the end.” For Fred, it certainly did. Now, he is undoubtedly in heaven, enjoying walks with Marlene, explaining the finer points of baseball to God, and championing his beloved St. Louis Cardinals as the best team in history.
He will be dearly missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He had a green thumb and took pride in gardening, fishing, and camping, so in lieu of floral arrangements, we request you plant a tree in his name in Mark Twain National Forrest: alivingtribute.org.
There is no way I can add words to such a poignant memorial. As a fellow teacher at Affton, I experienced a dear friend whom I respected greatly. His counseling skills were complete, wise, and encouraging. Those same skills in addition to deep love and respect were exhibited for his wife Marlene as multiple sclerosis eventually took her physical life. His caregiving was exemplary.
To his family, you have a rich legacy in Fred Brummel.
Linda VonderBruegge
I had Mr Brummel for American History. His classes were always enjoyable. He is the cause of my lifelong love of American history.
Nita’s thoughts and memories of Fred Brummel
Fred came to live at Friendship Village in Chesterfield (FVC). With over 450 residents, how did we meet? Friendship Village had a dance class and the instructor, Gene McGinty, also happened to manage the FCV Pool Room. There Gene met and played pool with Fred. When Gene learned that Fred liked to dance, he invited him to the class. I had recently lost my dance partner. Gene had been trying to dance with me while also instructing the rest of the class, and that was awkward at times. Soon Fred and I were dance partners. The rest is history or fate!
Fred and I started dining together. One evening after dinner Fred invited me to his apartment to watch a movie. We came to find out we shared a love for many of the same old movies. Very soon we were inseparable.
I cherish every moment of the ten years that we shared. We had so many things in common. We both loved working the yard. Our friends would complement us on it. It gives me great joy to look at the pictures that Fred took of “our” garden.
I have wonderful memories of our visits to the St. Louis Museum, the Botanical Gardens, and many other places too numerous to mention. We liked to see the STL Cardinals at the stadium or to watch them together on TV. We always enjoyed celebrating our birthdays together. And oh how Fred loved Christmas. He prepared for it all year. He wanted to be sure he got just the right thing for each of his loved ones.
Probably the most important thing that Fred and I shared was our faith. We soon discovered both of us were members of the Baptist church with a common faith in our Almighty God. We shared a strong belief in prayer. We had each accepted Christ as our Saviour at a young age. After we met our faith grew stronger together and we learned to trust God to hear and answer our prayers. Over the years I often heard Fred say, ‘i will pray about it.”
I look forward to the day when we are all together again in heaven.