It is with great sadness and shock that I share the news that Pastor Fred Wedemeyer died on Tuesday evening. Prior to his scheduled surgery at UMass Memorial to remove melanoma, Fred experienced chest pain and was transferred to UMass Hospital, University Campus, for observation. He died there of a heart attack later that day. Fred’s family is confident that the doctors and staff did all they could for Fred and appreciate their efforts.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; and children, John (and Sally) of Baltimore, MD, Tim (and Kathy) of Hershey, PA, Andy (and Jenny) of Valencia, CA, Kathy of St. Paul, Minnesota, Craig (and Amanda) Bellisario of Rochdale, MA and Diane (and Doug) Bellisario of Seattle WA; grandchildren Megan, Brianna, and Will; and his brother the Rev. Gustave Wedemeyer of Syracuse, NY. He is predeceased by his first wife of 31 years, Anna Wedemeyer.
Throughout his years as a Word and Sacrament minister, he served calls in several synods, including Central Pennsylvania Synod (LCA), and Lower Susquehanna Synod (ELCA). While rostered in the New England Synod, Pastor Wedemeyer served as the Mission Developer of the synod, deployed by the ELCA. He retired from active ministry in 2002.
Fred’s funeral will be held at Trinity this Saturday, July 14 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception in Jeppson Hall. No wake or calling hours are scheduled. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in his memory may be made to the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, 700 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
Pastor Nathan