Frederick Albert Hermann Jr. ’46

 “If you sat next to Frederick Albert Hermann Jr. at luncheon, or talked to him about matters related to his world of God and country and family,” said William Danforth, then chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis, “you felt his genuine warmth and experienced his generosity. You’d know that ‘wonderful’ fitted him comfortably as wrinkle-free as a bespoke suit.”

In the 14th Armored Division, Cpl. Fred won the Bronze Star. Post-war, he re-established his family’s Hermann Oak Leather Co., originally founded in 1881, and served as its CEO. “Fred’s intellectual curiosity,” said one associate, “yielded a wide range and depth of knowledge that he applied wisely, but displayed modestly. He was also a raconteur of the first order, and spoke eloquently of World War II experiences.”

Fred served on the boards of the Barnard Free Skin and Cancer Hospital, Edgewood Children’s Center, Family Resource Center, Care and Counseling of the Episcopal City Mission, Washington University Medical Center, Mary Institute-Country Day School, and Mercantile Library Association.

When he died Jan. 14, 2015, Fred was predeceased by Sally, his wife of 62 years; and survived by his children, Lawrence, Frederick, Holly, Evelyn, and Mary; and 11 grandchildren. The Class of 1946 is thankful for this wonderful life.