Frederick John Kroggel

Frederick John Kroggel was born on May 10, 1932, in Euclid, Ohio, to Otto and Isabelle (née Anderson) Kroggel. Growing up during the Great Depression, Fred’s family moved frequently, including a two-year stay on a farm in Norwalk, Ohio. He attended St. John-Nottingham Lutheran School from second through sixth grade before the family settled in Mentor, Ohio.
Fred graduated from Mentor High School on May 22, 1950, and went on to attend The Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in June 1954. He also received an ROTC commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army and served in armored units from May 1955 until his honorable discharge in June 1957.

On February 7, 1958, Fred married the love of his life, Dorothy Niemeyer. Together, they shared sixty-four years of devoted and joyful marriage, blessed by faith and family.
Fred dedicated twenty-three years to education, teaching Chemistry and Biology at North High School in Eastlake, Ohio, and Biology at Harvey High School in Painesville, Ohio, until his retirement in 1988. Alongside his teaching career, Fred and Dottie owned and operated Townline Nursery for forty years, cultivating both plants and community.

Fred is lovingly remembered by his sons, Charles Frederick (Sharron) and Mark Andrew (Chieri), and by all who were touched by his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering dedication.
He will be laid to rest beside Dottie at Perry Cemetery.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on December 6, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church, 508 Mentor Avenue, Painesville, Ohio. Behm Family Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online obituary and guestbook are available at www.behmfuneral.com.