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On the Passing of Fred Krebs
Dear Friends,
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Fred Krebs, Merriam, passed away on Friday, December 28, 2012.
 Fred was a scholar who was devoted to the humanities, education, and public life. He loved leading Kansas Humanities Council book discussions, offering presentations on Kansas history -- sometimes in costume, sometimes not -- and having conversations about big ideas, great thinkers, films of interest, town team baseball, and the enduring importance of small town values. Fred was a champion for every public library, historical society, local museum, rotary club, county courthouse, local restaurant, and all other organizations with an interest in strengthening our sense of community and commitment to one another. As far as I can tell, after doing hundreds of public humanities events for the Kansas Humanities Council, Fred never knew a stranger, never traveled to a community he did not fall in love with, and never ever tired of talking humanities.
One of my fondest memories of Fred happened in Medicine Lodge in 2007 during the "Famous Kansans" Chautauqua. Fred was portraying Kansas legend William Allen White. On this particular evening, the grand Chautauqua tent was filled with people curious to learn more about this outspoken editor of the Emporia Gazette. After about an hour of a first-rate presentation, the sun began to set and all of us in the audience stilled our Chautauqua fans and grew quiet as Fred, speaking as White, expounded on the importance of small town America. When Fred was done, you could have heard a pin drop. And then, one by one, we stood and gave Fred a well-deserved standing ovation, one of many I know he received throughout his lifetime. I will never forget that feeling of being suspended in time and place and I'm confident that many others under the tent that evening felt the same. We will miss Fred dearly.
Our deepest sympathies are with his family, the light of his life. You can find his obituary here.
Warmest regards,
Julie |
