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FREDERICK “FRITZ” KNAACK
4717 Franklin
Western Springs, IL 60558
Phone: (708) 246 6425
update 11/29/04
After graduating high school, I went to work downtown at an insurance company that had offered me a scholarship to Illinois for Fire Protection Engineering. I soon found that working behind a desk was not the career for me.
My career at the insurance company was not wasted, however, as I met and married my wife of twenty-five years, Lorraine Micheletti.
Unsuccessful in my efforts to enlist in the Air Force and Navy due to a childhood injury to my knees, I volunteered to be drafted and served for two years with the United States Army.
After my military service, I realized my childhood dream of being a Fireman. I spent 30 years as a Fireman with the Forest Park Fire Department and retired second in command at the rank of Captain. During that time, I attended college for Respiratory Therapy and also completed various fire department courses such as Emergency Medical Technician and Arson Investigation. I was also active in getting legislation enacted to establish a sound pension plan through the Illinois Professional Fire Fighters Association, of which I was a charter member. I am still an active member on the Pension Board representing retirees.
During off-duty hours, I established a furniture touch-up and repair business. I owe my successful business in part to Mr. Rich, my high school shop teacher, who I credit for being exacting in his demands on work projects. He was the man who taught me how to handle power tools and work with my hands.
I am a member of the 100 Club. This is a group of business people and professionals who ensure that the families of firemen, policemen and rescue workers killed in the line of duty are able to maintain their home life and also afford their children the opportunity to attend college. The Alliance sponsors a one-week camping experience for badly burned children at Camp Duncan, in Fox Lake, Illinois. This camp gives them the chance to enjoy their lives by participating with other children who have had similar experiences.
Lorraine and I raised two daughters, Susan and Karen. Sadly, Lorraine succumbed to an extended illness and our family life changed forever.
After eight years of being a widower, I met and married Elaine Kobernus who had also been widowed. We found our lives had crossed earlier in that we had met briefly in the first grade and during my career as a fireman. I had worked with her father who was the Public Works Supervisor and a personal friend. I now have a stepfamily that includes three sons and a daughter: Bill, Pete (Sheri), Karen (Dave) and Karl and three grandchildren: Katrina, Brett and Kent.
Retirement is keeping me busier than when I worked! My hobbies include fishing, woodworking and collecting Lionel 0 gauge model toy trains. I enjoy supplying water (heated in the winter!) to the many varieties of birds in my neighborhood. I also love my daughter’s Shih Tzu, Zoe, so I happily dog-sit for her every day.
I was profoundly affected by the many lives lost at the World Trade Center. As a fireman, I have always been blessed to know the unsung heroes in our country. I am proud of these selfless caregivers that risk their lives every time they answer a call for help. I was proud to be a fireman and my heart goes out to all of the many families that lost loved ones. It is true that the world will never be the same, but it is comforting to know that the best in people comes out in times of need. Our freedom will no longer be so easily taken for granted.
