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Gibbons Funeral Home - Elmhurst

134 South York Road

Elmhurst, Illinois

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Dec. 20, 2025

Gibbons Funeral Home

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Fred Lorenzen Obituary

Fred Lorenzen
Fred Lorenzen, known to the racing world as "Fast Freddie," "Fearless Freddie," and the "Golden Boy," was a man of extraordinary talent and an even greater heart.
Born on December 30, 1934, in Elmhurst, Illinois, to Frederick Sr. and Dorothy Kasmark, Fred lived a life filled with passion, from the racetrack to his cherished role as a dad. He was a proud father of Chris Lorenzen (Denise Dayan) and Amanda Lorenzen Gardstrom (Dave Gardstrom); beloved grandfather of Ella and Kendall; dear brother of the late Faith, Donna, and Ricky; half-brother of Tom and Dan Lorenzen and an uncle to many.
Fred's love for racing began in his childhood, when he built a lawn mower-powered go-kart that he sped all around the streets of Elmhurst. His racing career took off in 1953 at Soldier Field in Chicago, leading him to win the USAC Championships in 1958 and 1959. His big break came on Christmas Eve when Holman Moody offered him a spot on their NASCAR team. A true pioneer, Fred was the first driver in NASCAR history to earn $100,000 in a single season and to win at every Super Speedway in a single season, including his victory at the 1965 Daytona 500. He was voted NASCAR's Most Popular Driver in 1963 and 1965, admired for his skill, good looks and his charm. As one of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers of all time, Fred was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Fred was not just a dreamer, he was a doer. He was a man who never gave up on his dreams, a lesson he passed down to his children. He lived life without regret, present in every moment, his humor infectious, and his charisma magnetic. After retiring from racing, Fred transitioned into a successful career in real estate. Whether running into him at the local Jewel or seeing him cruise around town, Fred always found time say hello and talk to everyone.
As a father, Fred was extraordinary. He prioritized his children and their friends, often piling everyone into his car for trips to the movies, go-karting, The Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club, York Commons and Dairy Queen. If someone didn't have enough money, Fred would cover it. He gave generously, ensuring everyone around him enjoyed life. His home was always a welcoming place for kids, with a yard that had a hammock, tire swing, a fridge stocked with every pop you could imagine, and a basement with games galore for everyone. If you were a race fan and drove by, he'd invite you in to see the trophy room. He was incredibly humble.
Fred lived life on the edge, refusing to slow down, his determination and resilience as fierce off the track as they were on. Fred Lorenzen lived boldly, teaching those who knew him that life is best lived with kindness, generosity, authenticity and fun, always encouraging you to follow your dream.
Visitation was Friday, December 20, 2024, 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 21, 2024, 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 10:00 a.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home, 134 South York Road, (½ mile North of Saint Charles Road), Elmhurst. Interment Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Hillside.
Fred battled dementia for over 20 years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Fred's name to the Concussion Legacy Foundation at 361 Newbury Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02115. The Concussion Legacy Foundation works to end sport-related dementia through prevention and research. For funeral information please call 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Suburban Life Publications on Dec. 27, 2024.

Memorial Events
for Fred Lorenzen

Dec

20

Visitation

Gibbons Funeral Home

134 South York Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Dec

21

Visitation

Gibbons Funeral Home

134 South York Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Dec

21

Funeral service

Gibbons Funeral Home

134 South York Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Dec

21

Interment

Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery

1400 S Wolf Road, Hillside, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Gibbons Funeral Home - Elmhurst

134 South York Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Memories and Condolences
for Fred Lorenzen

Sponsored by Gibbons Funeral Home - Elmhurst.

Not sure what to say?





18 Entries

Randall McKinney

January 2, 2025

His engine builder Waddell Wilson was born in my hometown and need I say more! They were Holman and Moody's dream team!

Randall McKinney

January 1, 2025

Fred was the golden boy of his time.He could drive with the best of them.He outsmarted many old pro's like Curtis Turner and won more money at the time than any other driver.He blazed many tracks in his Holman Moody prepared Fairlane or Galaxie and he was a good looking just a wonderful man.He was the Elmhurst package and just a good person.What a life he lived a guy from Illinois that mastered a southern sport at the time all eyes were on him at all times he really was the man to beat in his heyday.Love Randall Mckinney.

Steve Deiters

December 30, 2024

What can one say when a childhood racing hero passes, and one has to find the words to summarize a lifetime of admiration.
It's not easy, but the thoughts of the early days of big-time stock car racing before it became what it is today come to the forefront of my recollections. To the front of the memories with car #28 in the lead.
Thanks for everything Fred you were a true trailblazer and thanks to your family for sharing you all these years.

Greg Elwood

December 30, 2024

Well this is my second attempt to send a message.
Chris and Amanda I want to send my thoughts and prayers to you both. Nothing prepares you for loosing a father, especially a good one. I lost my father two and a half years ago now to pancreatic cancer. It was a rough 14 months from diagnosis to his passing. I´m not going to tell you it will get easier. It isn´t getting easier for us. He was the backbone of our family and his passing was/is devastating. He accepted Christ as his Personal Savior so we know we will see him when our time on this earth is over.
I remember your dad as a caring father. He was so generous and real. I remember when you broke your arm Chris and your dad brought you a new Star Wars X wing fighter to the hospital to cheer you up. I remember the trampoline in the basement. I think it was two doing mattresses but we had a blast jumping on that. I remember his trophy room. He was so genuine when showing us, I think I can now touch the top of that tall one. He never bragged. Just honest and happy to share a memory or two. I remember when I told him my Uncle raced cars just like the ones in his photos and he asked me who my uncle was and when I told him Terry Berg he couldn´t believe it. Needless to say that reconnected them and they stayed friends until the end. I know my uncle is hurting right now. It´s tough loosing lifelong friends. He still cry´s when we talk about my dad. They were best friends since the second grade. Amanda. You probably don´t t remember me, but one time you bought me a Whatchamacallit candy bar one time when I was over. Anyways, I just wanted to send a message here to you both. I´ll be praying for you both during this time of great loss. Your dad was one of the good ones.

Robert Cox

December 29, 2024

I worked at the GE facility near the Daytona speedway and watched many races at Daytona during the 1960/70 period. Fred was always my favorite driver. RIP Fred.

Dottie

December 27, 2024

One of the true threats of NASCAR, was a pleasure to watch him in action at Charlotte Motor Speedway many times. RIP Freddie

Patrick Joseph tumilty

December 27, 2024

Rest in peace my friend

Patrick tumilty

December 27, 2024

Hello my name is Patrick and I'm just texting to say rest in peace Fred

John Thacker

December 26, 2024

O I remember Freddie coming to a small track on WV back in the early 60s. He was a cool driver and won that day and I was instantly a fan for years afterward. He was recognized by NASCAR for his contribution to the sport. Rest in peace, Mr. Lorenzen. You were the greatest, in my book!!

Elizabeth Bell

December 25, 2024

RIP Fred

jim Aitchison

December 25, 2024

I remember him when I worked at Mahler and Pieler gas station when I was 16. He had a 49 or 50 Ford I think, and had purchased a Cadilac
engine to put in it. Hope I got it right but i am not sure but its over 70 years ago. My condolences to the family and i am sure he is enjoying the big track in the sky

Tony Spirito

December 23, 2024

RB

December 22, 2024

Truly a legend of NASCAR, a fearless driver that earned recognition as one of the best. Sincere condolences to the Lorenzen family, God help you all in your time of loss.

Robert Hodgman, Greensboro,N.C

December 20, 2024

I am saddened to see this life long hero of mine pass. When I was 10 years old and lived on S. York Street in Elmhurst ,I was his paper boy for the Tribune. I remember him and the start of his career around 1957. When our family moved to North Carolina in 1960 he came to car racing in N.C. and soon was to be a Nascar champ. I often bragged of this casual relationship back in the 60s up until now. Not a big deal I guess but a nice
68 year memory for an old guy like me. He was a great one.

Carson Loveless

December 20, 2024

Condolences to his family

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Art & Pat Fehrman

Sent Flowers

The Gibbons Family

December 27, 2024

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Diane Tomek Boyd

December 19, 2024

Fred was a good next door neighbor of ours for several years when our kids were little. All of the children loved him as he related well to them. He was generous and fun to be around. Was willing to take anyone who asked on a tour of his trophy room which was more than impressive with floor to ceiling awards. We would see him in the middle of winter out hand washing his car. He always said a clean car drives easier and smoother. My condolences to Amanda, Chris and Nancy. We all are better for having known him. May he rest in peace.

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

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