After graduation from Indiana University, Fred began his journalism career at The Terre Haute Star. He served in the Army for two years, ending with nine months in Darmstadt, Germany. He returned briefly to Terre Haute before joining the staff of The Indianapolis Star in 1956.
Fred’s career at The Star included editing, writing and photography. He won numerous honors from The Associated Press and United Press International. In 1969 he became editor of “Sunday, The Star Magazine” and continued in that position for 18 years. Over the years he was a correspondent for the London Daily Mail and contributed articles to “Popular Mechanics,” “The Saturday Evening Post” and other publications.
Fred was the author of eight books dealing with Indiana trivia and facts: “The Indiana Book of Records, First and Fascinating Facts”; “Indiana’s Believe It or Not”; “Amazing Tales from Indiana”; “More Amazing Tales from Indiana”; “Historic Indianapolis Crimes”; “Forgotten Hoosiers”; “The Indiana Book of Quotes”; and “Indiana Book of Trivia.”
Fred’s wry sense of humor will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.
From 1988-91 he wrote “Main Street Indiana,” a Sunday Star feature. He traveled throughout the state gathering his stories and photographs. He loved information and wanted to preserve history, especially of Indiana. He knew every nook and cranny in Indiana and was always looking for a story. He did it because he loved it and never looked at it as work.
Fred never quit writing. After retiring from The Star in 1993 he contributed features to Senior Life and Southside newspapers The Spotlight and The Southsider Voice, providing articles until 2014, when he was 83. He was also a prolific painter, preferring watercolors, and he worked with stained glass.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Wanda; daughter Susan Reimlinger; son Christopher (Renee); stepsons Shawn Cross (Christine) and Ryan Minnick; granddaughter Elisha Dwars (Tom); stepgrandchildren Emma, Claire and Jackson Cross; and great-grandson Dylan Duncan.
Fred was preceded in death by son Lee; grandsons Craig and Jason Cavinder; brother Clayton; sisters Maxine and Rita.
Friends may visit with family from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, May 18, at Little & Sons Funeral Home, 4901 E. Stop 11 Road. A celebration of Fred’s life will be held at 6 p.m. at the funeral home.
Contributions may be made in Fred’s name to the Indiana Historical Society, 450 W. Ohio St., 46202.